World War I

Causes of World War I M A I N ILITARISM LLIANCES MPERIALISM ATIONALISM

MAIN explained H.M.S. Dreadnought Militarism: Maintaining a strong military capability and be willing to use it to promote national interests. H.M.S. Dreadnought

MAIN Explained Alliance: An agreement between two or more countries to protect each other.

MAIN explained Imperialism: taking over territories

MAIN Explained Nationalism: the belief that your country is the best.

Immediate cause The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand.

American Involvement Wilson avoids a war declaration at all costs. Remembers the destruction of the Civil War Not a ton of support Funneling money and supplies to the Allied powers anyway Restricted submarine warfare After the sinking of the Lusitania and the reveal of the Zimmerman Telegram, Wilson gets the OK to declare war (4/17). Says the direct cause is unrestricted submarine warfare America’s mission: make the world safe for democracy Lusitania: British Luxury Liner, 1,198 Dead, 128 Americans Zimmerman telegram:

American Involvement ctd. General of the Armies: John J. Pershing Over 1 million troops committed 53,402 combat deaths 63,113 non-combat deaths 203,000 wounded Nicknamed doughboys– fresh from bootcamp, not fully prepared for war African Americans during WWI- segregated troops, restricted to non-combat roles, switch to fight for the French, many win the Croix de Guerre. Women during WWI- move into roles traditionally held by men– factory work.

Life on the Homefront Selective Service Act (1917): instituted the draft Committee on Public Information: Used propaganda to garner support for the war effort. Food Administration: Herbert Hoover (future president!) regulated food supply. War Industries Board: switch from peace to war time production. Controls economy. Espionage and Sedition Acts: outlawed anti-war speech and other activities that undermined the war effort.

Propaganda Objectives Tactics Recruitment Demonization War Financing Emotional appeals Conserve Resources Name calling Dehumanize enemy/increase nationalism Patriotic appeals Half-truths/lies Catchy slogans Powerful visual symbols Humor

Wilson’s 14 Points and the end of the war 5 principles of the 14 Points 1. Freedom of the Seas (Militarism) 2. Reduction of Arms (Militarism) 3. Open Treaty Negotiations (Alliances) 4. Self-Determination of Peoples (Imperialism) 5. League of Nations- precursor to the UN Peace without victory Wilson’s ideas get shot down at the Paris Peace Conference Britain and France want Germany to pay reparations and take full responsibility for the war.

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