World War I-  the beginning

I.  What caused this War- Historians say (4) four things did.
     A.  Nationalism- People of the same nationality try to unite together.  Had
         explosive possibilities because one government was trying to rule many
         nationalities.
   
    B.  Imperialism-  Brought many Imperialistic Nations to the brink of war
         because of conflicting claims to the same territory.  Compromise settled
         it but always left one dissatisfied.

    C.  Militarism-  Glorification of armed strength.   Nations leaders believed the
          the use of force could solve problems among Nations.  Militarily strong
          Nations usually got what they wanted.  Mobilization- If one Nation
          organizes troops, so would others. 

     D.  The System of Alliances-  Otto Von Bismarck (Prussia's Chancellor),
           feared France would seek revenge for its 1871 defeat in the Franco-
           Prussian war.   Bismark wanted to isolate France from becoming Allies
           with Russia.   Bismark did not want to have to fight a two front war.

           1.  Triple Alliance is formed-
                In 1882, Bismark,(now Germany, formerly Prussia), along with Italy
                and Austria-Hungary form an Alliance.
                a.   Bismark also had a secret agreement with Russia.
                    b.   France is isolated!

              2.   Triple Entente is formed-  Russia's secret agreement with Germany
                is abandoned because William II of Germany dismisses Bismark.
                Russia is SHOOK by an economic crisis and looks for help. Who
                do you think will QUICKLY come to their aid?   FRANCE and
                Russia are now Allies!

            3.  Germany begins to build....up it's NAVY to compete with Great
                 Britain.   Because of this, Great Britain, France and Russia reach a
                     friendly agreement, or ENTENTE.

            4.  Dangers of the Alliance system-  Divided Europe into (2) two
                 armed camps.  If any two have a conflict, ALL become involved.


II.  THE BALKAN POWDER KEG
      A.  Nationalists in SERBIA hoped to make their country a large Slavic-
           state.  They wanted to make Bosnia-Herzegovina their own.  They
           were still under Austro-Hungarian rule. 

     B.  The Congress of Berlin....in 1878 decided to make the two provinces
           protectorates under Austro-Hungarian rule.  This really makes the
           Serbian Nationalists mmmmmaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaadddddddddd.
   
    C.  WHO SUPPORTS WHO?