Unit 5 Section 6 World War One TYWL: Global interaction may be caused by conflict. / Forces of imperialism, nationalism, militarism and geo-political alliances, taken to the extreme, can lead to international conflicts. / Nationalism and the quest for power are often underlying causes for war. / Conflict occurs when compromise over land, national identity and colonial possessions is no longer an option between those in authority and those they serve. /

World War One Militarism Alliances Imperialism Nationalism World War I – (1914-1918) Global War centered in Europe US is involved in final two years Results in 40 million casualties Sets stage for further conflict Causes of the War Militarism Alliances Imperialism Nationalism Long Term Causes

Nationalism Nationalism – putting interests of one’s own nation above all others Dominates European politics in 19th and early 20th centuries Leads to feelings of ill-will / distrust Ethnic groups in certain areas feel bitter

Imperialism 1 Imperialism – Nations of Europe compete for resources and markets across the world. Increases hostility and bitterness.

Alliances European nations had entered into complex web of alliances – if one was attacked, other nations had agreed to become involved.

Alliances Triple Entente (Allies) – France, Britain, and Russia (later United States) Vs. Triple Alliance (Central Powers) – Germany, Austria-Hungary, Ottoman Empire

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Militarism Militarism- Development of armed forces and their use as diplomatic tool. In the atmosphere of nationalism, mistrust, and competition, European nations build powerful, industrialized militaries.

Assassination Leads to War War begins in city of Sarajevo. Serbian nationalists assassinate heir to Austrian Throne – Archduke Franz Ferdinand (by Black Hand) War begins as Austria declares war on Serbia – other nations are dragged in by system of complex alliances 3

Strategy Schlieffen Plan – German plan to defeat France quickly, then turn to face Russia. Idea is to avoid a two front war Plan fails – bogged down in trench warfare in France Allied Plan – Keep fighting on two fronts. Blockade Germany. Hope for US involvement.

US Stance US declares neutrality (back to isolationism?) Develops sympathy for Allied cause (close economic relations, propaganda, affinity to Britain) Begin to export war materials to Britain Submarine warfare by German U-Boats threatens US shipping Sinking of Lusitania – 1915 British liner, 1198 deaths – 128 Americans Also carrying ammunition Americans outraged, but Wilson avoids war temporarily

Stalemate in Europe War on land grinds to a stalemate in France Deadliness of modern weaponry results in trench warfare * No man’s land – deadly area between trenches Little territory is gained; casualties are horrific (First Battle of Somme – 1.2 million casualties – 7 miles of land gained – or more than 174,000 casualties per mile!) *click for Primary accounts of life in the trenches

New Weapons of War Modern Weapons make “The Great War” the “ In modern war there is nothing sweet nor fitting in your dying. You will die like a dog for no good reason.” Modern Weapons make “The Great War” the Deadliest ever for those fighting it. Submarines Airplanes Poison Gas (mustard gas) Machine Guns Tanks Improved Artillery Ernest Hemingway, American Writer and World War I Vet.

US Declares War Wilson is re-elected in 1916 with slogan “he kept us out of war” Germany fears US entry – Zimmerman Note attempts to influence Mexico to attack US German U-Boats continue to threaten US shipping Russian Revolution of 1917 – Russia quits war – easier for US to enter politically April 2, 1917, Wilson asks Congress for war

From http://www.wwnorton.com From www.district158.org From http://www.history.com