2. State of the World
• Before World War
I, the last time the
Europeans nations
all sat down
together to
discuss issues was
at the Congress of
Vienna (1814).

3. State of the World
• There had been
many changes
to Europe since
that time – rise
of new nations,
industrialization
, and
imperialism.

4. Changes to Europe 1815 - 1914

5. Rise of Militarism
• As nations unified
and developed a
national identity,
many of them
also built up their
militaries.

6. Rise of Militarism
• Having a strong
military showed
national pride
and helped
nations to
become imperial
powers.

7. Rise of Militarism
• Militarism is the
belief that it is
important to
always have a
large standing
army, even in
times of peace.

8. Creation of New Alliances Part I
• Europeans made
alliances during
the Congress of
Vienna to prevent
war, but many
changes had
happened to
Europe since that
time.

9. Creation of New Alliances Part I
• Otto von Bismarck
created a new
alliance for the
unified Germany
called the Triple
Alliance which
included Germany,
Austria-Hungary,
and Italy.

10. Creation of New Alliances Part 2
• When Britain
learns about
the Triple
Alliance, they
are concerned
that Germany is
becoming too
powerful.

11. Creation of New Alliances Part 2
• Britain creates
their own
alliance called
the Triple
Entente which
includes
Britain, Russia,
and France.

12. Alliances Leading into World War I

13. Problems with Imperialism
• Imperialism led to
intense
competition
between nations
for power and
resources, and
created many
enemies between
nations.

14. Problems with Imperialism
• Imperialism also
fueled nations’
militarism,
leading to them
building up large
armies and
navies to
compete.

15. Increase in Nationalism
• Newly unified
nation - states,
such as Germany
wanted to
demonstrate how
strong and
powerful they
were by building
up their militaries.

16. Increase in Nationalism
• This threatened
other nation –
states, and also
led to nations that
did not yet have
their own
countries to want
independence.

17. Important Events Leading to War
• Tensions are high in Europe amongst
the nation – states.
• Otto von Bismarck creates the Triple
Alliance to protect Germany.
• Kaiser Wilhelm II (new emperor of
Germany) fires Bismarck and decides
to build up his army and navy.

18. Important Events Leading to War
• Kaiser Wilhelm II’s decisions concern
Britain. They form the Triple
Entente.
• These new alliances increase tensions
even more in Europe.
• Causes of war: MAIN – militarism,
alliances, imperialism, nationalism.

19. Key Players – Kaiser Wilhelm II of
Germany

20. Key Players – Otto von Bismarck of
Germany

21. Key Players – Tsar Nicholas II of Russia