Section 1 America Enters World War I World War I and the 1920s (1914-1929) Section 1 America Enters World War I

Lesson 1 America Enters World War I World War I and the 1920s (1914-1929) Lesson 1 America Enters World War I Learning Objectives Identify the causes of World War I. Analyze the impact of technological innovations in weaponry that resulted in stalemate on the Western Front. Analyze reasons behind isolationism and neutrality in the United States before 1917. Explain why the United States entered the conflict on the side of the Allies. Key Terms Alsace-Lorraine militarism Francis Ferdinand William II Western Front Casualties contraband U-boats Lusitania Zimmermann note

The Causes of World War I M.A.I.N Historians have traditionally cited four long-term causes of the First World War MILITARISM – The growth of nationalism and imperialism led to increased military spending ALLIANCE SYSTEM – By 1907 Europe was divided into two armed camps (allies and central powers) IMPERIALISM – Economic and political control over weaker nations NATIONALISM – a devotion to the interests and culture of one’s nation

Causes of World War I: Militarism: Alliance System: Imperialism: European nations built large armies (especially Germany) – prepare for war Other nations tried to keep up (naval power) New Weapons Machine Guns, artillery, tanks, submarines, airplanes Alliance System: Allies, consisted of France, Britain, and Russia (US would join later) Triple Alliance / Central Powers, consisted of Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy Imperialism: Nations around the world were overtaking weaker ones Provided the resources to build a larger empire Nationalism National pride led to rivalries and conflicts between nations Leads to industrial output, trade and completion for foreign land

The Causes of World War I Analyze Maps Based on the map, what can you predict about where the major battles of World War I would be fought?

1. The Alliance System Triple Entente: Triple Alliance:

Two Armed Camps! Allied Powers: Central Powers:

The Causes of World War I Analyze Charts Which nation had the largest navy at the beginning of World War I? Which had the most troops?

Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand Video “THE SPARK” The Great War Begins Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand Video Gavrilo Princip Archduke Ferdinand

The Great War Begins Austria-Hungry demands that Serbia help in the investigation Serbia refuses Austria-Hungry Declares war on Serbia (July 28th 1914) Alliance System Russia pledged to protect Serbia Russia declares war on Austria… Germany declares war on Russia…France declares war on Germany…Great Britain declares war on Germany…

“I’ll be home by Christmas” THE FIGHTING BEGINS Alliance system pulled one nation after another into the conflict – The Great War had begun On August 3, 1914, Germany invaded Belgium, following a strategy known as the Schliefflen Plan This plan called for a quick strike through Belgium to Paris, France Great Britain declared war on Germany Next, Germany would attack Russia The plan was designed to prevent a two-front war for Germany Many countries believed that a strong military force would prevent war. 30 Countries fought in the “Great War” “I’ll be home by Christmas” The Schliefflen Plan

The Great War Begins Analyze Maps What challenge did Germany’s location present to its pursuit of victory in the war?

The War Becomes A Stalemate: Battle of the Marne Germany invades France British and French counter Both allies and central powers forces dug in for a long fight Trench warfare – hand dug channels that were created all across Europe There were 3 types of trenches: front line Support reserve Between enemy trenches was “no man’s land” – an area pockmarked with shell craters and filled with barbed wire Movie: War Horse Trench warfare

Should America Join the Fight? In 1914, most Americans saw no reason to join a struggle 3,000 miles away – they wanted neutrality European conflict Many Americans felt close to the British because of a shared ancestry and language France aid during the Rev. War. Many immigrants saw their countries being ripped apart. Immigrants felt an allegiance to their home country

The United States Remains Neutral Views on WWI Isolationists – not America’s business Interventionists – protect American interests in Europe (Allies) Internationalists – should be active in world affairs… not enter the war Analyze Political Cartoons Based on the cartoon, what can you infer about President Wilson’s attitude toward the war?

Reasons for U.S. Entry into the War President Wilson – vowed to remain neutral Blockades – preventing another nation from transporting goods Britain blocked German boats Germany used U-Boats During the first two years of the war, America was selling the allied forces war materials and weapons They used the sea to transport the goods Germany warned that any ship found in the waters around Britain would be sunk

Reasons for U.S. Entry into the War German U-boats destroyed more than 11 million tons of Allied shipping and killed nearly 14,000 people.Analyze Maps Why were U-boat attacks clustered in particular areas?

The Lusitania Disaster: The Lusitania was a British passenger liner A German U-boat sank the Lusitania, killing all aboard (1200 people) including 128 American tourists The Germans claimed the ship was carrying Allied ammunition Germans promise to not to sink any more ships Violated promise USS Sussex – Germany sinks another passenger ship Sussex Pledge Americans were outraged and public opinion turned against Germany and the Central Powers

Preparations for War Wilson prepares for War Neutral No Longer “preparedness” National Defense Act – expanded size of army Naval Construction Act – built more warships Neutral No Longer Zimmerman note German foreign minister Arthur Zimmerman Telegram to Mexico Alliance with Mexico Help Mexico regain territory lost in the Mexican American War (Texas, new Mexico, Arizona) Telegram intercepted by British America Enters WWI April 2, 1917 “Make the world safe for democracy”