Red Space Rocket

Pre-war alliances

Countries had alliances to join each other in wars and defend each other against attack.

Triple Alliance
Germany
Austria- Hungary
Italy

Triple Entente
Russia
France
Britain

Origins of war

There were a number of factors which made war likely at this time.

The Alliance system
When one country got into a fight it automatically brought many other countries in also.

The Arms Race
Countries had large standing armies.
These posed a very serious threat.

An Acceptance of War
War was accepted as a legitimate method of getting what your country wanted.
Nations were very proud of their armies and military histories.

Nationalism
Ordinary people took a fierce pride in their country.
Easily turned into hostility towards other countries.
This idea was reinforced in education, newspapers and literature.