World War I Study Pack: Two Study
Guides + Practice Test
, Study Guide #1 – Causes and Background of World War I
1. The MAIN Causes of World War I
Historians often summarize the causes of WWI using the acronym MAIN:
Militarism
● European nations built up large standing armies and navies
● Arms races, especially between Germany and Britain
● Military leaders gained strong influence over governments
Alliances
● Countries formed defensive alliances, meaning a conflict involving one nation could
spread quickly
● Triple Alliance (Central Powers): Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy
● Triple Entente (Allied Powers): Britain, France, Russia
Imperialism
● Competition for colonies increased tensions
● European powers clashed over land in Africa and Asia
● Colonies later supplied soldiers and resources for the war
Nationalism
● Intense pride in one’s nation
● Nationalist movements in the Balkans weakened empires
● Ethnic groups wanted independence, especially from Austria-Hungary
Guides + Practice Test
, Study Guide #1 – Causes and Background of World War I
1. The MAIN Causes of World War I
Historians often summarize the causes of WWI using the acronym MAIN:
Militarism
● European nations built up large standing armies and navies
● Arms races, especially between Germany and Britain
● Military leaders gained strong influence over governments
Alliances
● Countries formed defensive alliances, meaning a conflict involving one nation could
spread quickly
● Triple Alliance (Central Powers): Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy
● Triple Entente (Allied Powers): Britain, France, Russia
Imperialism
● Competition for colonies increased tensions
● European powers clashed over land in Africa and Asia
● Colonies later supplied soldiers and resources for the war
Nationalism
● Intense pride in one’s nation
● Nationalist movements in the Balkans weakened empires
● Ethnic groups wanted independence, especially from Austria-Hungary
