World War I and the Russian Revolution

Lesson 1 World War I Begins

Key Terms
entente
militarism
Alsace and Lorraine
ultimatum
mobilize
neutrality

Academic Vocabulary
status: high standing, rank, or prestige
overseas: across the sea; foreign

Lesson Objectives
1. Describe how imperialism, nationalism, and militarism pushed
Europe closer to war.
Nationalism made Europe want war to fight for their country. Militarism pushed
them to create more military equipment.

2. Identify the key event that sparked World War I.

The assassination of Austrian Archduke Franz Ferdinand

3. Trace how the alliance system drew nations into the war.
A war between two nations turned into war throughout an entire continent.

European Powers Form Alliances: Text

1. Compare and Contrast Read the two quotes from the text below.
“The future belongs to peace.”
--French economist Frédéric Passy

Interactive Reading Notepad • Lesson 1

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 “I shall not live to see the Great War, but you will
see it, and it will start in the east.”
German Chancellor Otto von Bismarck

What evidence supports each man’s viewpoint?

The war will eventually end at peace will be restored among the
nations.

2. Cite Evidence Why did the countries of Europe believe that alliances
would guarantee peace? Use evidence from the text in your
answer.
That with the combination of a strong military other countries won't attack them, out of
fear; therefore they would promote peace.

Major Causes of World War I: Text

3. Vocabulary: Determine Meaning Using context clues, determine the
meaning of the term arms race.
When two or more countries increase the size and quality of military resources to gain
military and political superiority over one another.

4. Identify Cause and Effect How did imperialism lead to increased

tension and stronger alliances?
European nations sense of rivalry and mistrust of one another deepened as they
competed for colonies in Asia and Africa

5. Make Inferences Why did nationalist developments such as Pan-

Slavism and the two Balkan Wars increase tensions to such a great
degree?
Created more of a sense of nationalism which turned to anger, other counties got
involved because of alliances

The Balkan Powder Keg Explodes: Text

6. Synthesize Why did Austria-Hungary and Germany go to war
against Serbia? Think about and include elements of the following
in your answer: Austria-Hungary sets out to punish Serbia it
wants to quash support for Serbian nationalism
 nationalism
 international rivalries
Interactive Reading Notepad • Lesson 1
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  militarism

The Alliance System Leads to War: Text

7. Analyze Sequence Use the graphic organizer below to create a time
line. Fill in each box with the date that various nations went to war
with each other. Then draw lines from each box to the correct point
on the time line. Start your time line with the assassination of
Archduke Francis Ferdinand. What conclusions can you draw from
this time line?

8. Use Visual Information Look at the map of European alliances in the

text. Why did Germany fear an alliance between France and Russia?
because Germany was and still is located in between the two
nations and, in case of war, would have been forced to fight
on two fronts simultaneously
9. Draw Conclusions Why were young men on both sides eager to
fight when World War I started?
Patriotism was high and men were eager to fight for justice and
their country.

Interactive Reading Notepad • Lesson 1

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