Underlying Causes of WWI
Militarism – the glorification of a military
class or policies
Germany glorified the military, stepped up
military activity, and instituted a national
conscription
All the Great Powers of Europe (Austria-Hungary,
France, Germany, Great Britain & Russia) spent
large sums of $ on new weapons and Warships.
Endless planning for war made war more likely
The Alliance System
Triple Alliance
(Central Powers)
Triple Entente (Allies)
Germany
Austria-Hungary
Italy
Great Britain
France
Russia
 physical relationships
 attack on one attack on all
Imperialism – a policy of
extending military and
political control over other
nations
European nations held
colonies in Africa, Asia & The
Pacific Islands.
By 1910, most desirable
colonies had been taken
Germany jealous of Great
Britain & France
Nationalism – aspiration for national
independence or devotion to the interests
of a particular nation
Czechs, Slavs & Poles desired Independence
France wanted to regain Alsace – Lorraine
The Balkans became the “powder keg” of
Europe
Foldable 
• Fold your paper
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illustrate those
MAIN underlying
causes!
Underlying Causes of WWI
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