World War I: M.A.I.N. Definitions
Militarism:
Strengthening a nation's army and navy to protect its interests.
As one country strengthens its army, another follows.
-Causes an arms race
Alliance System:
- Triple Alliance - Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy
- Triple Entente (understanding among nations) - Great Britain, France, Russia
An attack on one country would cause a war involving many countries.
Imperialism:
A nation's desire to expand its empires; gaining access to new markets and raw materials
-Great Britain and France already had overseas empires. However, they wanted more.
-Germany, Italy, and Russia wanted to expand their empires, but territory was scarce.
Nationalism:
An intense loyalty to one country or ethnic group.
-Ethnic Group: people who share a common language or traditions.
Encourages nations to unify and become powerful (Germany and Italy) and to challenge existing nations (France and Britain)
Inspires ethnic groups to declare independence