Background of World War I

Causes of the War

M Militarism Militarism - belief that a nation needs a large, powerful military force Navy: Britain and Germany Army: France and Germany

A Alliances Triple Entente or Allies: Russia, France, Great Britain, Serbia, Japan, and six other nations Triple Alliance or Central Powers: Austria-Hungary, Germany, the Ottoman Empire, and Bulgaria Balance of power in Europe Balance of power in Europe Italy was part of the Triple Alliance, but does not declare war. Later they switch sides and fight with the Allies.

I Imperialism Imperialism – the policy by which stronger nations extend control over weaker nations European nations compete for colonies Germany fights with France and Britain over Africa

N Nationalism Nationalism - policy of asserting the interests of one's own nation are separate from the interests of other nations France wanted to regain territory lost to Germany Poles, Serbs, Croats, Czechs and other ethnic groups wanted independence from Austria-Hungary

Militarism Alliances Imperialism Nationalism The MAIN causes of WWI

The Spark: Assassination June 1914: Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary visits Sarajevo, Bosnia Strong nationalism among Bosnian Serbs Gavrilo Princip and the Black Hand: terrorist group working toward united Serbian people Princip assassinates Ferdinand and his wife on their visit Austria declares war on Serbia Czar Nicholas II: Russian ruler, declares war on Austria in defense of Serbia

Roots of the Conflict

WWI in Europe The Two Sides: Central Powers: Germany, Austria-Hungary, Ottoman Empire Allies: France, Britain, Russia, Japan and Italy (Eventually, the United States)

A New Type of Warfare Annihilation of a French regiment, near Peronne, France (1916)

3) Trench Warfare: defensive pits dug by each side

“No Man’s Land”

New technology + Old tactics = Tons of death

War in Europe

U.S. Remains Neutral Both sides attempt to recruit the U.S., but Wilson refuses: Most Americans: anti-Germany from the start Kaiser Wilhelm: leader of Germany, seen as “evil ruler” Blood Money: American financiers loan Allies $2.3 billion during “neutrality” US: willing to trade with Central Powers, but England blockaded North Sea

Submarine Warfare Angers Americans U-boats: German submarine commerce raiders Unrestricted Submarine Warfare: No warning before attacks German mistakes: Lusitania (May 1915): 128 Americans killed (1200 total) Arabic (August 1915): 2 Americans killed Sussex (1916)

“Lusitania Sunk By a Submarine”

Stop or Else Wilson issues an ultimatum: Germany Calls Wilson’s bluff Stop sinking our ships, or U.S. will retaliate Sussex Pledge: German promise not to sink American ships Germany Calls Wilson’s bluff Continue sinking all ships in the war zone.

Zimmerman Telegram Ends American Neutrality Arthur Zimmerman: German foreign secretary Proposed an alliance between Germany and Mexico (March 1917) Mexico gets Texas, NM and Arizona back

Zimmerman Telegram

U.S. Enters the War April 2, 1917: Wilson asked Congress for declaration of war Make the world “safe for democracy” Passes 373-50 in House, 45-5 in Senate

Four Major Reasons for American Involvement Allies owed the U.S. billions of dollars If they lose, we get nothing! U-boats sinking American ships / killing Americans Zimmerman Telegram showed that the Germans were looking to attack the U.S. Russian Revolution forces Russia out of the war Germany fighting on only one front now!

U.S. Cannot Remain Neutral

Fourteen Points Address Wilson’s goals for American involvement January 8, 1918 Highlights: End to secret treaties Freedom of the seas Reduction in militaries/arms Self-determination (have own government) World peace organization (League of Nations)