AP World History: Modern
Find gaps with guided practice
Table of Contents
🌍ap world history: modern review
7.2 Causes of World War I
Verified for the 2025 AP World History: Modern exam•Citation:MLA
World War I—referred to at the time as the Great War—was the product of deep-rooted tensions among European powers. Though triggered by the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in 1914, the war’s underlying causes had developed over decades. These causes can be remembered using the acronym MAIN: Militarism, Alliances, Imperialism, and Nationalism.
The MAIN Causes of World War I
Militarism
Militarism is the belief that a strong military is essential for national success. In the decades before WWI, European powers dramatically increased their military spending. Fueled by industrialization, this arms race introduced new technologies such as machine guns, heavy artillery, and chemical weapons.
- Germany and Britain competed in a naval race to build the most advanced dreadnoughts (battleships).
- Conscription policies (mandatory military service) became widespread.
- Military leaders had increasing influence over government decisions.
- The German Schlieffen Plan (1905) revealed a pre-existing blueprint for war, showing that major powers anticipated conflict.
By 1914, most European states had stockpiled massive weapons arsenals and were militarily prepared for a large-scale war.
Alliances
Alliances were meant to provide mutual protection but instead created a dangerous domino effect. When one nation went to war, its allies followed.
| Triple Alliance | Triple Entente |
|---|---|
| Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy* | Britain, France, Russia |
- Italy initially joined the Central Powers but switched sides in 1915. The Ottoman Empire later joined the Central Powers.
These alliances meant that a conflict between two nations could rapidly expand to involve all major powers. This is exactly what happened after Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia.
Imperialism
Imperialism refers to the desire to expand national power through territorial acquisition. As European powers scrambled for colonies in Africa and Asia, tensions grew.
- Germany, a newer imperial power, challenged British and French dominance.
- Rivalries intensified in regions like Morocco, where German involvement provoked crises.
- Colonial disputes heightened nationalism and militarism.
Imperialism didn't cause the war directly, but it globalized it—drawing in colonies and triggering fighting across continents.
Nationalism
Nationalism is a deep pride in one’s nation or ethnic group. It both unified and divided countries.
- In Austria-Hungary and the Ottoman Empire, nationalism among ethnic minorities (e.g., Serbs, Armenians) created internal instability.
- In Serbia, Pan-Slavic nationalism pushed for a greater Slavic state, supported by Russia.
- Nationalism fueled militaristic pride and encouraged the belief that war was honorable.
Nationalism helped justify aggression, especially when cloaked in the idea of national superiority or self-determination.
The Immediate Cause: Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand
On June 28, 1914, Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary and his wife were assassinated in Sarajevo by Gavrilo Princip, a Bosnian Serb nationalist and member of the secret society known as the Black Hand. The group sought to create a unified Slavic nation free from Austro-Hungarian control.
Austria-Hungary blamed Serbia for the attack and, with German backing, issued a list of demands. Serbia’s partial rejection led Austria-Hungary to declare war.
This local conflict quickly escalated due to the alliance system:
- Russia mobilized to protect Serbia.
- Germany declared war on Russia.
- Germany invaded Belgium to attack France.
- Britain declared war on Germany for violating Belgian neutrality.
Within weeks, a continental conflict became a world war.
Major Participants by 1917
| Allied Powers | Central Powers |
|---|---|
| Britain, France, Russia, Italy, Japan, USA | Germany, Austria-Hungary, Ottoman Empire, Bulgaria |
Many battles took place not just in Europe but in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia—marking this as the first truly global war of the 20th century.
Conclusion
World War I wasn’t caused by a single event—it was the result of long-term structural tensions and short-term triggers. The MAIN causes—militarism, alliances, imperialism, and nationalism—made Europe a powder keg. The assassination of Franz Ferdinand provided the spark. Due to entangling alliances and global empires, what could have been a regional conflict became a global war.
Key Terms to Review (30)
Alliances: Alliances are formal agreements between two or more nations to cooperate for specific purposes, typically for mutual defense or political support. These agreements can influence international relations and shape the geopolitical landscape, especially during times of conflict. Alliances can create a balance of power, but they can also lead to increased tensions as countries align themselves with certain blocs.
Allied Powers: The Allied Powers were a coalition of countries that opposed the Central Powers during World War I and later included key nations fighting against the Axis Powers during World War II. This alliance initially consisted of major powers like France, Russia, and the United Kingdom, which later expanded to include the United States and other nations. Their collaboration was crucial in both conflicts, significantly shaping the course of history and international relations in the 20th century.
Archduke’s Assassination: The Archduke's Assassination refers to the killing of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria and his wife Sophie on June 28, 1914, in Sarajevo, Bosnia, by Gavrilo Princip, a member of a nationalist group seeking independence for Slavic peoples from Austro-Hungarian rule. This event is often cited as the immediate trigger that set off a chain reaction leading to World War I, highlighting the existing tensions between nationalist movements and imperial powers in early 20th-century Europe.
Austro-Hungary: Austro-Hungary was a dual monarchy in Central Europe that existed from 1867 to 1918, formed by the union of the Austrian Empire and the Kingdom of Hungary. This complex political entity played a crucial role in the geopolitical tensions leading up to World War I, marked by its diverse ethnic composition and nationalist movements within its borders.
Austria-Hungary: Austria-Hungary was a dual monarchy established in 1867, combining the Austrian Empire and the Kingdom of Hungary under a single monarch, Franz Joseph I. This multi-ethnic empire played a crucial role in the events leading up to World War I and later influenced the geopolitical landscape of Europe as nationalist movements emerged, setting the stage for significant changes during the Cold War and decolonization.
Balkan Wars: The Balkan Wars were two conflicts that occurred in the early 20th century, specifically in 1912 and 1913, involving several Balkan states aiming to liberate and acquire territories from the declining Ottoman Empire. These wars played a crucial role in increasing tensions among European powers and set the stage for World War I by exacerbating nationalist sentiments and territorial disputes in the region.
Belgium: Belgium is a small European country located between France, Germany, and the Netherlands. It played a crucial role in the causes of World War I and World War II, particularly due to its strategic location and the events surrounding its neutrality and invasion by other nations.
Black Hand: The Black Hand was a secret Serbian nationalist organization founded in 1911, dedicated to the unification of all South Slavic peoples and the promotion of Serbian nationalism. This group played a pivotal role in the events leading up to World War I, particularly through its involvement in the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria in 1914, which set off a chain reaction of alliances and conflicts that ignited the war.
Bulgaria: Bulgaria is a country located in Southeast Europe, which emerged as a significant national entity during the 19th century, driven by rising nationalism and movements for independence from Ottoman rule. The Bulgarian struggle for autonomy and later independence is a key example of how nationalism fueled revolutions in the region, while its geopolitical significance played a critical role in the tensions leading up to World War I.
Central Powers: The Central Powers were a coalition of countries during World War I, primarily consisting of Germany, Austria-Hungary, the Ottoman Empire, and Bulgaria. This alliance opposed the Allied Powers and was marked by their military strategies and alliances, which shaped the course of the war and its eventual outcomes.
Congress of Vienna: The Congress of Vienna was a diplomatic conference held from 1814 to 1815, aimed at restructuring Europe after the defeat of Napoleon Bonaparte. It sought to restore stability and order by redrawing the continent's political map, balancing power among the great European powers, and suppressing revolutionary movements. The decisions made at this congress significantly influenced European politics and set the stage for future conflicts, including those leading to World War I.
Dreadnoughts: Dreadnoughts were a class of battleships introduced in the early 20th century, characterized by their large size, heavy armament, and steam turbine propulsion. These warships marked a significant leap in naval technology and played a critical role in the naval arms race that contributed to the causes of World War I.
France: France is a country in Western Europe known for its rich history, cultural influence, and significant role in global events. Throughout history, France has been a major player in political, social, and economic changes, impacting areas such as industrialization, imperialism, world wars, and decolonization.
Franz Ferdinand: Franz Ferdinand was the Archduke of Austria-Este and heir presumptive to the Austro-Hungarian throne, whose assassination in 1914 sparked a chain reaction of events leading to World War I. His death in Sarajevo became a pivotal moment that showcased the growing tensions between major European powers, as it set off a series of alliances and mobilizations that ultimately plunged the continent into war.
Gavrilo Princip: Gavrilo Princip was a Bosnian Serb nationalist who is best known for assassinating Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria on June 28, 1914. This event is widely recognized as the spark that ignited World War I, highlighting the intense nationalist tensions and political instability in Europe at the time.
German Naval Laws: The German Naval Laws were a series of legislative acts enacted in the early 20th century aimed at expanding the Imperial German Navy. These laws were significant in heightening naval competition, particularly with Great Britain, and were a contributing factor to the tensions that led to World War I.
Germany: Germany is a nation-state in Central Europe that became a unified country in 1871, playing a crucial role in various global events and conflicts from the late 19th century onwards. Its industrial growth, nationalistic movements, and political ambitions significantly influenced the course of European history, particularly during major wars and economic developments.
Great Britain: Great Britain is an island nation located off the northwestern coast of mainland Europe, consisting of England, Scotland, and Wales. Its historical influence shaped global political, economic, and cultural landscapes, particularly during periods of nationalism, imperialism, and industrialization.
Imperialism: Imperialism is the policy or practice of extending a country's power and influence through diplomacy or military force. It often involves the domination of one nation over another, which can lead to the exploitation of resources and people, shaping global politics, economics, and cultures in significant ways.
Industrialization: Industrialization refers to the process of transforming economies from primarily agricultural to industrial, marked by the growth of factories, mass production, and advancements in technology. This transformation significantly influenced social, economic, and political structures worldwide, especially during the 18th and 19th centuries.
Italy: Italy is a European country located in the southern part of the continent, known for its rich history, cultural heritage, and significant influence on world affairs. It played a pivotal role in various historical events, particularly during the rise of nationalism in the 19th century, and became a major player in both World Wars, affecting global politics and conflicts.
Japan: Japan is an island nation in East Asia that underwent significant transformation during the 19th and 20th centuries, especially with its rapid industrialization and emergence as a global power. This transformation connected Japan to broader global developments and conflicts, influencing its political, economic, and military trajectory.
Militarism: Militarism is the belief that a country should maintain a strong military capability and be prepared to use it aggressively to defend or promote national interests. This mindset fosters an environment where military power is prioritized over diplomatic solutions, influencing political decisions and societal values. Militarism was a significant factor in escalating tensions leading up to both World Wars, as nations invested heavily in their armed forces and adopted aggressive postures towards one another.
Napoleon: Napoleon Bonaparte was a French military leader and emperor who rose to prominence during the French Revolution and became a key figure in European history in the early 19th century. His ambitious reforms, military conquests, and establishment of the Napoleonic Code significantly influenced the spread of nationalism and revolutionary ideas across Europe, leading to both the rise and fall of empires and contributing to tensions that would eventually culminate in global conflicts.
Ottoman Empire: The Ottoman Empire was a vast and influential Islamic state that existed from the late 13th century until the early 20th century, encompassing parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa. It played a crucial role in shaping political, cultural, and economic landscapes across these regions, particularly as it navigated challenges related to modernization, nationalism, and imperialism.
Sarajevo, Condominium of Bosnia and Herzegovina: Sarajevo is the capital city of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which was a condominium under Austro-Hungarian rule after the annexation in 1908. This region became a focal point of tension in the lead-up to World War I, as the competing nationalisms and aspirations of its diverse ethnic groups clashed with imperial interests. The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in Sarajevo in 1914 triggered a chain of events that ultimately led to the outbreak of World War I.
Schlieffen Plan: The Schlieffen Plan was Germany's military strategy devised prior to World War I, aimed at swiftly defeating France by invading through Belgium before turning to confront Russia. This plan was crucial in the context of the war as it reflected Germany's strategic calculations in response to a two-front war scenario, illustrating the tension and complexities that led to widespread conflict.
Serbia: Serbia is a landlocked country located in Southeast Europe, known for its rich cultural history and significant role in the Balkan region. Throughout the 19th century, Serbia emerged as a national entity driven by nationalism, leading to its independence from the Ottoman Empire and playing a key role in the tensions that ignited World War I.
Universal Conscription: Universal conscription is the policy of requiring all eligible citizens to serve in the military, often during times of war. This practice became increasingly common in the early 20th century, particularly leading up to World War I, as nations sought to rapidly expand their armed forces in response to rising tensions and militarism. The concept reflects broader social and political changes during this period, including nationalism and the belief in a collective duty to defend one's country.
United States: The United States is a federal republic established in 1776, formed from thirteen British colonies in North America. It has been a significant player in global politics, economics, and culture, influencing various movements related to nationalism, industrialization, and international conflicts throughout its history.