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d. Monarchies v. Republics
3. Alliance system
a. Initiated by Bismarck at end of Franco-Prussian
War to keep France isolated
b. Great powers distrusted one another (competition
over colonies)
c. Felt way to dissuade attack
d. Two large military blocs
1) Triple Alliance: Ger, A-H, Italy
2) Triple Entente: GB, Fr, Russ
4. Militarism
a. As rivalries, competition increased, size of armies
increased
b. European armies 2x 1890-1914
c. As armies grow, so too influence of military
leaders
d. Created complex military plans in case of war;
deviation from plans would be disaster
e. British-German Naval race
C.Immediate
1. Serbian Nationalism
a. Want to create Greater Serbia, south slav state
b. Sees Austria-Hungary as obstacle
c. Assassination of Austrian Archduke in Sarajevo
by Serbian terrorist group
2. German Militarism
a. Kaiser Wilhelm backed Austrian punishment of
Serbia with blank check (gobble up Serbia like
Bosnia-Herzegovina) so Austria declares war on
Serbia
b. Strict adherence to Schlieffen Plan, other military
timetables (Russia could not partially mobilize;
Germany must invade Belgium, France)