Background to the Great War

Although it was the assassination of the Austrian archduke, Franz Ferdinand that led to the outbreak of world war one in August 1914, the actual causes of the war were more complicated and not confined to a single cause.

Nationalism –Nationalism means being a strong supporter of the rights and interests of one's country.

Imperialism –Imperialism is when a country takes over new lands or countries and makes them subject to their rule. –By 1900 the British Empire extended over five continents and France had control of large areas of Africa. –The amount of lands 'owned' by Britain and France increased the rivalry with Germany who had entered the scramble to acquire colonies late and only had small areas of Africa.

Militarism Militarism means that the army and military forces are given a high profile by the government. Militarism means that the army and military forces are given a high profile by the government. The growing European divide had led to an arms race between the main countries. The growing European divide had led to an arms race between the main countries. The armies of both France and Germany had more than doubled between 1870 and 1914 and there was fierce competition between Britain and Germany for mastery of the seas. The armies of both France and Germany had more than doubled between 1870 and 1914 and there was fierce competition between Britain and Germany for mastery of the seas.

Militarism I am so tired of marching… Yeah, I want to wage war!!!

Alliances An alliance is an agreement made between two or more countries to give each other help if it is needed. When an alliance is signed, those countries become known as Allies. An alliance is an agreement made between two or more countries to give each other help if it is needed. When an alliance is signed, those countries become known as Allies. A number of alliances had been signed by countries between the years 1879 and These were important because they meant that some countries had no option but to declare war if one of their allies declared war first. A number of alliances had been signed by countries between the years 1879 and These were important because they meant that some countries had no option but to declare war if one of their allies declared war first.

Alliance System Triple Entente/AlliesTriple Alliance/Central Powers France Russia England Germany Austria-Hungary Italy Serbia Ottoman Empire We’re staying out of your mess!!!

The Alliance System

Central Powers

Allies

I. From Neutrality to War I. From Neutrality to War B. Short Term Cause 1.Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand 2.Austria-Hungary declares war on Serbia a)Result = Alliance system sparks war The name of the band was originally inspired by a racehorse called The Archduke. After seeing the horse run on television the band began to discuss Archduke Franz Ferdinand and thought it would be a good band name because of the sound of the name and the implications of the Archduke's death (his assassination was a significant factor in the lead up to World War I). I will one day be your King and I will treat all Serbs terrible!!!! …I think I will take a tour of the lands I will inherit.

Alliance System Triple Entente/AlliesTriple Alliance/Central Powers France Russia England Germany Austria-Hungary Italy Serbia Ottoman Empire

I. From Neutrality to War (3 rd Hour) D. America remains neutral Tradition 2.Divided loyalties 3.Sides a)Isolationists-out (6 th ) b)Interventionists- fight w/ Allies c)Internationalists- peace w/o fight

E. Reasons for US entrance into war 1.British Blockade of Germany- lost $$$ 2.German U-Boat attacks (violate neutrality) a)Lusitania -128 b)Suxxex Pledge i.Germany restricts submarines 3.Zimmerman Note/ unrestricted u-boats 4.US declares war: Wilson, “Making the world safe for democracy” (4 th ) Zimmerman Note Sinking of the Lusitania May 7, 1915

Warning from the German Embassy to travelers on the Lusitania –NOTICE! –TRAVELLERS intending to embark on the Atlantic voyage are reminded that a state of war exists between Germany and her allies and Great Britain and her allies; that the zone of war includes the waters adjacent to the British Isles; that, in accordance with formal notice given by the Imperial German Government, vessels flying the flag of Britain, or any of her allies, are liable to destruction in those waters and that travellers sailing in the war zone on the ships of Great Britain or her allies do so at their own risk.

Zimmerman Note A telegram sent by German foreign minister Arthur Zimmermann to Mexico. A telegram sent by German foreign minister Arthur Zimmermann to Mexico. The note proposed an alliance with Mexico, stating that if the US declared war on Germany, Mexico should declare war on the US. In return, when Germany wins the war, Mexico would get back TX, NM, and AZ, which they had ceded to the US at the end of the Mexican-American war. The note proposed an alliance with Mexico, stating that if the US declared war on Germany, Mexico should declare war on the US. In return, when Germany wins the war, Mexico would get back TX, NM, and AZ, which they had ceded to the US at the end of the Mexican-American war. The telegram was intercepted and reached American hands. The telegram was intercepted and reached American hands.

Unrestricted Submarine Warfare In early 1917, Germany announces that it will resume unrestricted submarine warfare against Britain—at the expense of US neutrality. In early 1917, Germany announces that it will resume unrestricted submarine warfare against Britain—at the expense of US neutrality. This, combined with the publication of the Zimmerman note pushed President Wilson to ask Congress for a war declaration on April 2, This, combined with the publication of the Zimmerman note pushed President Wilson to ask Congress for a war declaration on April 2, On April 6, 1917, the US declared war on Germany. US neutrality in WWI was over. On April 6, 1917, the US declared war on Germany. US neutrality in WWI was over.

Wilson announcing official break in relations to congress.