The document discusses the four major themes that contributed to the outbreak of World War 1: imperialism, militarism, nationalism, and tangled alliances. Imperialism involved powerful nations seeking to dominate others, militarism promoted military strength and preparedness for war, nationalism encouraged pride and loyalty to one's nation, and interconnecting alliances meant that conflicts could escalate as countries were obligated to support their allies. Together these factors created tensions between European powers that led them into war in 1914.

1. Causes of WWI
Four Major Themes:
Imperialism, Militarism, Nationalism, &
Tangled Alliances

2. Today’s Objective
I can define Imperialism, Nationalism, Militarism, &
Tangled Alliances.
I can explain how each of the key themes contributed to
the outbreak of WWI.

3. Imperialism
A policy in which a strong nation seeks to
dominate other countries politically,
economically, or socially.

4. Militarism
The belief or desire of glorifying military
power and keeping an army prepared to
defend the national interests of a
country through war.

5. Nationalism
A feeling that people have of being loyal to
and proud of their country, often with the
belief that it is better and more important
than other countries.
A desire help by a large group (shared
language, culture, history, religion) to form
a new independent nation.

7. Tangled Alliances
A union or agreement formed for mutual
benefit, especially between countries of
organizations.
Triple Alliance: Germany, Austria-Hungary,
& Italy
Triple Entente: Great Britain, France, &
Russia
“If you pick on one of us, you pick on all of
us.”
The idea was to discourage war.

8. Tangled Alliances

9. The Result

10. Essential Questions
Cause & Effect
What were the social, political, and economic causes of
World War I?
What were the social, political, and economic impacts of
World War I?
Change & Continuity
How do the themes from WWI continue to impact our world
today?

11. “The War to End All Wars”
Reading Instructions
Goal: What were the social, political, and economic causes
of World War I?
You will read the first three chapters (1. Murder in
Sarajevo, 2. Armed to the Teeth, 3. To Berlin! To Paris!).
As you read, record concrete details/examples that
demonstrate the impact that each major theme had on the
outbreak of WWI.
Be prepared to share your examples and to explain how
each major theme contributed to the outbreak of WWI.