CAUSES OF THE FIRST WORLD WAR

Historians have traditionally cited four long-term causes of the First World War

ØNATIONALISM – a devotion to the interests and culture of one’s nation

ØIMPERIALISM – Economic and political control over weaker nations

ØMILITARISM – The growth of nationalism and imperialism led to increased military spending

ØALLIANCE SYSTEM – By 1907 Europe was divided into two armed camps

Ø By 1907 there were two major defense alliances in Europe

Ø The Triple Entente, later known as the Allies, consisted of France, Britain, and Russia

ØThe Triple Alliance, later known as the Central Powers, consisted of Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy (Soon joined by the Ottoman Empire