4.1 “The Road to War”

Imperialism Causes of World War I Countries were competing for natural resources The most desirable colonies were already under control of major European Powers Other European countries realized that the only way to gain control of resource rich countries was to take them from other Europeans

Militarism European Powers had begun to buildup their armies in preparation for war Giving the military more authority over the government and foreign policy Austria-Hungary, France, Germany, Great Britain, and Russia all spent large sums of money on new weapons and warships

Nationalism 1-Countries were acting in their own self interest out of national pride when those national interest went against the national interest of another nation conflicts could erupt 2-Many ethnic groups in Europe were longing for countries that reflected their own ethnic heritage Austria –Hungary Hungarians and German speaking Austrians governed millions of Czechs, Slovaks, Poles, and others who wanted self-government

Alliances in order to promote national security, many nations signed treaties that bound them to other nations in case of war. If one nation was attacked, then the others would automatically help.

The assassination of Francis Ferdinand June 28,1914 Archduke Francis Ferdinand (heir to the empire's throne) and his wife visit Sarajevo, capital of Bosnia Bosnia was a province in the Austro-Hungarian Empire Archduke Francis Ferdinand and his wife are shot Gavrilo Princip

The assassination of Francis Ferdinand The assassin believed that Bosnia should be part of neighboring Serbia

Conflict Expands Kaiser William II (German emperor) told Austria-Hungary that Germany would stand by its side Austria-Hungary then sent a harsh ultimatum to Serbia Wanted cooperation in an investigation Serbia did not agree Austria- Hungary declared war on July 28,1914

Conflict Expands Because of the alliance system…… Early August- Russia mobilized for war to help Serbia This caused Germany to declare war against Russia France, Russia’s ally declared war against Germany Germany wants to go through neutral Belgium Great Britain (treaties with France and Belgium) declared war against Germany

Allied Powers Central Powers Great Britain Germany France Serbia Russia (until 1917) United States (after 1917) Japan Germany Austria Hungary Bulgaria Italy 1915 joined the allied Powers

Modern Warfare Earlier wars strong, swift offense led by troops on horseback WWI soldiers New killing machines Machine guns-Firing 450 rounds a min Rapid fire artillery Poison gas shells Tanks Submarines Airplanes “over the top” of trenches to attack the enemy Produced mounting pile of dead Battle of the Somme in 1916 British suffered 20,000 deaths in a single day of combat

Early Stages of the War Germany swept through Belgium Wins quick victories in the west vs. France and Britain Russia attacks Germany from the east, diverting troops from the Western Front (two front war)

Stalemate Lack of manpower causes Germany’s attack to bog down in the West This stalemate (situation in which neither side is able to gain the advantage) leads to Trench Warfare

“Somme. The whole history of the world cannot contain a more ghastly word.” —Friedrich Steinbrecher

Trench Warfare

Civilian Impact Soldiers were still fighting with 18th century military techniques, (using new modern weapons) which caused incredibly high casualty rates. Civilians were impacted because of naval blockades that cut off food supplies to entire countries (British naval blockade slowly starved the German people)

American Sentiments… United States newspapers covered the war in bold headlines Some Americans felt personally involved More than a third of the 92 million were immigrants or the children of immigrants German Americans felt hostility toward Great Britain Favored central powers Most Americans opposed the Central Powers Americans of English descent opposed the Germans

Most Americans opposed the autocratic Kaiser William II (Wilhelm II) of Germany, because they saw his rule as an affront to democracy Civilians suffered severely under German occupation Some of the worst stories of German crimes were not true British newspapers published false propaganda Information intended to sway public opinion

Foreign investments Americans had billions of dollars in foreign investments, and entering the war would endanger their money

Preparedness Movement Wanted their country to be in a position to aid Great Britain if necessary The idea that America remain neutral while building up its armed forces (militarism)

The Peace Movement Former Populists, Progressives, Social Reformers, Suffragists, and Women Women were particularly active August 29, 1914 Suffragists dressed in black and carrying a banner of a dove-marched down New York City’s Fifth Avenue American Union Against Militarism