World War I 1914-1918

Why was World War I a critical development in global history? The first large-scale industrial war Colonies dragged into conflict Enormous costs (financial & human resources) USA taken more seriously on world stage Revolution in Russia  Soviet Union (try Communism)

Why was World War I a critical development in global history? Japan a greater imperial power in Asia Old Empires collapse (ex. Ottoman Empire) Middle East in hands of Europeans (Epic Fail!) Jews promised land in Middle East

Why was World War I a critical development in global history? Colonies see European weaknesses Strengthened nationalist movements in colonies (want self-determination)

Why was World War I a critical development in global history? Groundwork for further turmoil in Europe Paris Peace Conference, 1919 (Epic Fail!) League of Nations (Epic Fail!) Totalitarian regimes in Germany & Italy – WANT REVENGE! (Epic Fail!)

Causes of World War I M.A.N.I.A. swept through Europe!

M. ilitarism needed larger militaries to protect empires European countries compete  arms race! ex. Germany vs. Britain dreadnoughts conscription u-boats war glorified

A. lliances Complex alliance systems developed during 1800s – early 1900s for mutual protection Allied Powers: Britain, France, Russia, Italy (formerly a Central Power) Central Powers: Germany, Austria-Hungary, Ottoman Empire

N. ationalism Competition & antagonism between nations Intense nationalistic passions of European nations  clash with other nations’ interests Examples: Pan-Slavism of the Balkans  hold off threats by Austria-Hungary & Ottoman Empire Fears of growing German strength Russia sees self as protector of all Slavic peoples

I. mperialism Industry drives colonial land-grabbing European nations competed for colonies = $$$ and Prestige! Arguments over control of: Africa Asia The Balkans

A. ssassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand Balkans = “powder keg of Europe”: ethnic rivalries between people of Balkans major rival powers have different interests there Serbian terrorist organization assassinated heir to throne of Austria-Hungary Powder keg explodes!

A New Kind of War Total War: 2 Fronts: Sea: Nationalism bound civilians Winning = PRIDE 2 Fronts: Eastern (Russia v. Ger/Aus) Western (Germany v. Br/Fr) Sea: German blockade of British ports & attacks on supply lines

A New Kind of War Trench warfare stalemate Industrial warfare Tanks Airplanes Submarines Machine guns Chemical weapons

A New Kind of War Non-Europeans Participate: U.S. Neutral at first – Unrestricted Submarine Warfare by Germany pulls U.S. in Territorial dominions sent forces to several fronts Skirmishes fought around colonies in Africa Indian nationalists hoped support would equal independence Japan has imperialistic motives

High Costs of War

High Costs of War Massive casualties for minimal gains Death Injuries Destruction Debt NO ONE MADE ANY SIGNIFICANT GAINS How do you determine a winner in that scenario?

High Costs of War- Human Of the 65 million men who fought: 8 million killed in battle 2 million died of illness & disease 21.2 million wounded 7.8 million POW or MIA Some towns and villages lost every single one of their male members of fighting age Civilian losses- 6.8 million

High Costs of War- Financial European economy destroyed Industry damaged- in some cases ruined High death toll = loss of skilled tradesmen Loss of skilled tradesmen = no one to repair infrastructure

High Costs of War- After Cost Disabled soldiers need care Homes, factories, infrastructure need rebuilding Cemeteries need to be built Bodies need to be removed from shallow graves at trenches Europe is “marked”

Paris Peace Conference January 1919- Versailles Delegates from 23 countries BIG FOUR Not represented- Russia, Germany, or their allies

Treaty of Versailles Establishes League of Nations Punishes Germany

War Guilt Clause (Article 231) Sole responsibility for war on Germany Reparations Loss of territories

Creation of New Nations Western powers sign separate treaties with Austria-Hungary, Bulgaria, Ottoman Empire HUGE land losses for Central Powers Map redrawn (next slide)

NOT a Lasting Peace U.S. rejected Treaty of Versailles Treatment of Germany = Very hard feelings Africa & Asia angry Japan & Italy not satisfied We are set up for future conflict….