Question

m.a.i.n. causes of world war i study guide
directions: use your notes and the following summary to answer the review questions.

1. list the m.a.i.n. causes of world war i and give an explanation for each.
2. according to historians, europe’s alliance system prior to 1914 increased the likelihood of what?
3. why did great britain, france and russia form the triple entente in 1907?
4. how do strong feelings of nationalism usually begin?
5. why was there tension between germany and france in the years leading up to world war i?
6. what was the immediate cause of world war i?

read the following quotes. using your knowledge of wwi, decide which quote corresponds with which m.a.i.n. cause of wwi.
“i contend that we (britons) are the first race in the world, and the more of the world we inhabit, the better for the human race…” – cecil rhodes
“june 28 is a date engraved deeply in the heart of every serb. that was no day for franz ferdinand, the new oppressor, to venture to the doors of serbia…” – serbian newspaper article on the day after the assassination fo franz ferdinand
“as long as it is without allies, france poses no danger to us.” – chancellor otto von bismark
“i and the army were born for one another.” – kaiser wilhelm ii

Explanation:

1. M - Militarism: Refers to the glorification of military power and the build - up of armed forces. In the early 20th century, countries like Germany were rapidly expanding their military.

A - Alliances: Political and military agreements between countries. For example, the Triple Entente (Britain, France, Russia) and the Triple Alliance (Germany, Austria - Hungary, Italy).
I - Imperialism: The policy of extending a country's power and influence through colonization. European powers were competing for colonies around the world.
N - Nationalism: Extreme pride in one's nation. It led to ethnic tensions (e.g., in the Balkans) and a desire for national self - determination.

1. The alliance system increased the likelihood of a large - scale war. If one country was attacked, its allies would be drawn into the conflict.
2. They formed the Triple Entente to counter the growing power of Germany and the Triple Alliance.
3. Strong feelings of nationalism usually begin with a sense of common history, culture, or language among a group of people.
4. Tension between Germany and France was due to the Franco - Prussian War (1870 - 1871) and Germany's growing power and colonial ambitions.
5. The immediate cause of World War I was the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria - Hungary by a Serbian nationalist on June 28, 1914.

For the quotes:

• “I contend that we (Britons) are the first race in the world...”: Imperialism (as it reflects a sense of British superiority and desire for more territory).
• “June 28 is a date engraved deeply in the heart of every Serb...”: Nationalism (Serbian pride and opposition to Austrian rule).
• “As long as it is without allies, France poses no danger to us.”: Alliances (focus on the power of alliances).
• “I and the army were born for one another.”: Militarism (glorification of the military).

Answer:

1. M - Militarism (glorification and build - up of military). A - Alliances (political/military agreements). I - Imperialism (colonial expansion). N - Nationalism (extreme national pride).
2. A large - scale war.
3. To counter Germany and the Triple Alliance.
4. With a sense of common history, culture, or language.
5. Due to the Franco - Prussian War and Germany's power/ambitions.
6. The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand.

Quotes:

• “I contend...” - Imperialism.
• “June 28...” - Nationalism.
• “As long as...” - Alliances.
• “I and the army...” - Militarism.