Causes of WWI - Imperialism (Eastern Europe) Flashcards
Which three empires in eastern Europe wanted to maintain their Great Power status?
- Russian Empire
- Austro-Hungarian Empire
- Ottomon (Turkish) Empire
Why were the Russian, Austrian and Ottoman empires different from the British and French empires?
The empires in eastern Europe had major problems - the British and French empires were relatively strong
What main problem did the Russian Empire face?
It was very economically backwards
What main problem did the Austro-Hungarian Empire face?
It ruled over lots of different ethnic groups - many of which wanted their independence (e.g. Bosnian-Serbs)
What was Austria-Hungary’s main aim?
To keep together its fragmented empire
What was the main problem facing the Ottoman Empire?
It had lost a lot of land in Europe in recent years
What was the Ottoman Empire known as?
‘The sick man of Europe’
Why had the Ottoman Empire lost a lot of land in 1912-13?
The Ottoman Empire had lost the Balkan Wars (1912-13)
Who had become bigger and stronger after the Balkan Wars?
Serbia
After the Balkan Wars, what did Serbia start pushing for more aggressively?
The unification of Bosnia and Serbia
Who ruled Bosnia?
Austria-Hungary
Who was concerned by Serbia’s attempts to unite Bosnia and Serbia?
Austria-Hungary
What does the nervousness about Serbia help explain?
Why Austria-Hungary was so aggressive towards Serbia after the assassination of the Archduke. They wanted an excuse to invade Serbia.
What did Richard Hall say about the Balkan Wars? They were the ______ to the First World War
The Balkan Wars were the “prelude” to the First World War
What is the Strait of Gibraltar?
A narrow channel of sea that joins the Atlantic and the Mediterranean
