WWI “THE GREAT WAR”

All were first cousins !!! King George V of England & Czar Nicholas II of Russia Kaiser William II of Germany & Czar Nicholas II of Russia All were first cousins !!!

M.A.I.N. Causes of WWI

Nations increase their military strength to reach their goals. Militarism Nations increase their military strength to reach their goals. As this occurs, rivals feel threatened and build up their military strength too.

Alliances Defense agreements between nations to aid each other, especially during war.

A nation’s desire to grow and expand its territories. Imperialism A nation’s desire to grow and expand its territories.

The feeling of intense pride and loyalty to one's country Nationalism The feeling of intense pride and loyalty to one's country Two wounded British soldiers walk with wounded German soldier. IE: Intense patriotism to the point that one is willing to sacrifice and even lay down their life.

Short Term Cause of WWI

Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand heir to the Austro-Hungarian Empire, was the spark that caused the war, on June 28, 1914.

The Archduke was killed by 19 year old Gavrilio Princip member of the “Black Hand,” a Serbian nationalist group who believed Austro-Hungarian rule would destroy his homeland.

Picture during the arrest.

Watch the Dominos Fall !!!

Austro-Hungarian Empire sent demands to Serbian government. Serbia rejected demands.

Germany declared war on Russia (ally of Serbia)… With the help of Germany, the Austro-Hungarian Empire declared war on Serbia… Germany declared war on Russia (ally of Serbia)…

Great Britain declared war on Germany (ally sworn to protect Belgium). Germany declared war on France (ally of Russia) and marched on neutral Belgium and Luxemburg. Great Britain declared war on Germany (ally sworn to protect Belgium).

Before the end of WWI, over 35 countries would become entangled into the “Great War.”

Central Powers versus the Allies Allied Powers France British Empire Serbia Belgium Russia 1917 United States

Central Powers versus the Allies German Empire Austro-Hungarian Empire Ottoman Empire Bulgaria Pictured: Kaiser Wilhelm II, Germany, Enver Pasha Ottoman Empire (Turkey), Emperor Franz Joseph, Austro Hungarian Empire (Austria/Hungary).

Reasons for United States Involvement in WWI The U.S. could no longer remain neutral in face of increasing threats to its national interests.

What were the 4 reasons the United States entered into World War I? 1. The U.S. could no longer remain neutral; 2. the U.S. had close economic and political ties to England.

3. German unrestricted submarine warfare (to prevent supplies from reaching England): sinking of the Lusitania German unrestricted submarine warfare The Germans shot at any ships without warning — a violation of international law

Interception of the Zimmerman Telegram 4. The Zimmerman Telegram offered Mexico the land it lost to the U.S. during the Mexican War if Mexico would align itself with Germany in the event that the U.S. entered the War. This outraged Americans.

April 6, 1917: Congress declared war on Germany

What occurred when American troops went to war? President Woodrow Wilson of the U.S. provided leadership during the war, along with his commander, General John Pershing, who led the American Expeditionary Force of American soldiers, called doughboys, in Europe.

On October 4, 1918 -the Germans requested an armistice, or an agreement to end the fighting.

The armistice began on November 11, 1918. 11th day, 11th month, 11thhour

United States leadership as the war ended

January 1919 – world leaders gather in Paris, France for a peace conference.

At the end of World War I, President Wilson prepared a peace plan, called the Fourteen Points.

This plan called for the formation of the League of Nations, which would be a peacekeeping organization.

The Allies disagreed on how to “punish” the Central Powers. Wilson did not want to punish them – other allies sought revenge.

Eventually, Germany was forced to accept responsibility for the war and agree to pay money for war damages… No more weapons. No more colonies.

Countries who made up the Treaty of Versailles and their leaders… U. S.  President Wilson Britain  David Lloyd George France  George Clemenceau Italy  Victorio Orlando

American Opposition Wilson presented the Treaty of Versailles to the U.S. Senate in July 1919 for ratification. The Senate had to approve the treaty before the U.S could officially accept it. Many Americans did not trust the idea of a League of Nations.

American Opposition The Treaty of Versailles was rejected in 1920 by the United States. The U.S. did NOT join the League of Nations. In 1921 the U.S. signed a separate treaty with each of the Central Powers, officially ending the war.

World War I Ends