EQ: What events caused the beginning of World War I? The Great War EQ: What events caused the beginning of World War I?

Causes of the War European countries began competing for control of other colonies To feel safe, countries increased their military forces They made alliances (partnerships) with other countries People had feelings of nationalism for their ethnic group rather than their country

1914 Alliances Alliances are members who promise to help each other if they are attacked by other countries One side = Britain, France, Russia known as the Allied Powers Other side = Austria-Hungary, Bulgaria, Germany, Ottoman Empire known as the Central Powers Italy joined the Allies in 1915 Look at map on page 296

War Broke Out Serbia – bordered Austria-Hungary Serb rebel shot and killed two members of Austria-Hungary’s royal family in Sarajevo Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia Because of alliances, European nations were drawn in one by one

What about the United States? Who was the president at this time? Woodrow Wilson What did he want to do? Remain Neutral!

We need to remain neutral!

U.S. starts getting MAD Germans invented new submarines called U-boats May 7, 1915, a U-boat sank the British passenger ship Lusitania off Ireland 1200 people were killed including 128 Americans Americans were angry, Wilson still remained neutral

Warning!!! NOTICE! Travelers intending to embark on the Atlantic voyage are reminded that a state of war exists between Germany and her allies and Great Britain and her allies; that the zone of war includes the waters adjacent to the British Isles; that, in accordance with formal notice given by the Imperial German Government, vessels flying the flag of Great Britain, or any of her allies, are liable to destruction in those waters and that travelers sailing in the war zone on ships of Great Britain or her allies do so at their own risk. IMPERIAL GERMAN EMBASSY WASHINGTON, D.C., APRIL 22, 1915.

Shot down by 1 torpedo, sank in 18 minutes

Reflection Who were the 4 Allied Powers? Britain France Russia Italy Who were the 4 Central Powers? Austria-Hungary Bulgaria Germany Ottoman Empire

Reflection Where did the war first break out and why? Did the United States become involved at first? What did the Germans invent? Why did people in the United States start to believe we should enter the war?