Causes of WWI Polk School District导致第一次世界大战波尔克学区.ppt

Causes of WWI Imperialism and Colonialism Essential Question How did European colonization and imperialism lead to WWI? WWI Time Period WWI began in 1914 and ended in 1918 M – A – I – N M – Militarism A – Alliances I – Imperialism N - Nationalism Militarism During the early 1900s, many European countries spent much of their wealth on building strong armies and navies. This focus on developing a strong military is called Militarism Countries wanted strong militaries to defend their colonies Alliances European leaders wanted other countries to think twice before declaring war on their country. To defend themselves countries would join an alliance. An alliance is an agreement between nations to unite for a common cause. Each member of an alliance agrees to help the other members in case one of them is attacked. Imperialism By the beginning of the 1900s, Europe’s most powerful countries had colonies all over the world. Mainly England, France, Spain, Portugal and others At this time, these countries had many colonies in Africa and Asia Imperialism Nationalism Nationalism is having strong pride in one’s nation or ethnic group. An ethnic group is people with similar languages and traditions European countries were very sensitive and willing to go to war in the early 1900s to protect their honor. M – A – I – N Britain’s sea power gave it command of the World’s shipping lanes and control over a vast empire stretching from the Mediterranean Sea to Southeast Asia. However, Germany would mount a challenge to British power. M – A – I – N After becoming a unified country in 1871, Germany grew rich and used its wealth to build it’s Army and Navy. However, Russia was also expanding and becoming a threat to Germany. M – A – I - N WWI rumbled onto the global stage when a Serbian sniper, seeking to free his ethnic group from Austrian rule, assassinated Archduke Ferdinand. The assassination sparked a series of great power actions and reactions in the five weeks that fo