Main causes of the First World War
Empires
During the 19th century countries were building up their Empires. Britain's Empire covered 1/5 of the world and other countries with smaller Empires were jealous. Britain, France, Russia, Austria-Hungary and Germany were all building up Empires.
The more Empire they got, the more chance some one else had of stealing it and countries thought they were better if they had more Empire. Britain had wealth pouring in left, right and centre and Germany were jealous as they only had a small Empire.
Alliances
This is a map of the British Empire
Many countries were making alliances with each other. Germany had an alliance with Austria-Hungary, Britain had an alliance with France, Russia and Belgium and France had an alliance with Russia.
Because France and Russia were allies Germany felt threatened on both sides. An alliance is a union or assosiation formed for mutual benefit, especially between countries.
Home
This is a map showing what side what country is on
Blue is Neutral, Orange is Allies and Pink is Central Powers
Please click in bottom right corner