Nationalism and imperialism increased tensions between European powers prior to World War I, as did their military buildups. Two alliance systems emerged: the Triple Alliance of Germany, Austria-Hungary and Italy, and the Triple Entente of France, Russia and Britain. Germany planned to quickly defeat France before confronting Russia, but this strategy was complicated by France's fortified border with Germany following their defeat in the Franco-Prussian War. The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand by a Serbian nationalist escalated tensions between Serbia and Austria-Hungary, leading Germany to declare war on Russia and France and invade Belgium, drawing Britain into the war.

1. Unit 6: World War I

3. Nationalism “ my state is the best” Threatened existence of Austria, Russia, Ottoman Empire Social Darwinism Economic rivalry Germany challenged Britain’s supremacy Imperialism Conflict over colonies (markets, raw materials)

4. Glorification of war Means of proving superiority Chance of winning glory Arms race: Britain – navy twice as large as next two combined Germany – starts increasing size of navy

5. Know you have enemies Need to have friends Two emerge: Triple Alliance: Germany, Austria, Italy Triple Entente: France, Russia, Britain

7. Goal: Avoid fighting France and Russia at the same time Russia: takes 8 weeks to mobilize men France: defeated them in 5 weeks in 1871 Plan: Invade France first, capture Paris, then shift troops to eastern front to fight Russia Problem: After 1871 (Franco-Prussian War), France fortified its border with Germany

9. Independent kingdom 1832 Neutrality guaranteed by treaty signed in 1839 by Britain, France, Russia, Prussia & Austria

10. Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzogivina Gavril Princip, Serb nationalist, assassinates Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to Austrian throne

12. 29 July: A declares war on Serbia; R orders partial mobilization, declares war on A 30 July: R orders full mobilization 31 July: G demands R to halt mobilization; demands F stay neutral 1 Aug: G declares war on R; F mobilizes 2 Aug: G demand Belgium let her pass; Be refuses 3 Aug: G declares war on F, invades Be 4 August: Br declares war on G German declaration of war on Russia