World War I

Essential Question Although the United States tried to remain neutral, what events eventually pushed the nation into World War I?

Outbreak of War Alliances: Military Buildup Triple Alliance – Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy Triple Entente – Great Britain, France, Russia Military Buildup Both Great Britain and Germany began building their naval powers Nationalism and Self-Determination Pride in one’s homeland and the idea that people who belong to a nation have the right to govern themselves.

War Begins Austro-Hungarian Archduke Franz Ferdinand assassinated in Serbia by a member of the “Black Hand” on June 28, 1914. July 28, 1914 – Austria declared war on Serbia August 1, 1914 – Germany declared war on Russia Russians were ethnic Slavs and felt an obligation August 3, 1914 – Germany declared war on France Britain declares war when Germany crossed into Belgium

Archduke Franz Ferdinand vs. Gavrilo Princip

New Teams Allies: Central Powers: Great Britain, France, Russia, Italy, Serbia, Greece, Belgium Central Powers: Germany, Austria-Hungary, Bulgaria, Ottoman Empire

Surrounded

American Neutrality “We must be impartial in thought as well as in action.” –Woodrow Wilson What are the possible positive and negative impacts of this statement? Why would American citizens disagree with President Wilson’s statement?

Moving Toward War Unterseeboots (U-Boats) being used by the Germans to attack British and French vessels Sinking of the Lusitania on May 7, 1915 – killed 1,200 passengers (128 Americans) March 1916 – Sussex Pledge made between U.S. and Germany

Zimmerman Telegram Germany sent a telegram to Mexico promising to give back lost territory “taken” by the United States if Mexico allied itself with Germany. Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona

United States Goes to War German U-boats resumed unrestricted submarine warfare Sank 6 American merchant ships without warning between February 3 and March 2 April 4, 1917 - U.S. declares war on Germany