Road To War

Origins of World War I In, 1914 disagreements and tensions in Europe erupted into the largest war the world had ever seen, later getting the name World War I. European countries competed for territory and trade in Asia, Africa and the Pacific. For self-propetion and glory countries started building up their armed forces. A surge in nationalism boosted tension. In southeastern Europe russia and other countries encouraged national groups in Austria-Hungary to break free. As tension grew higher alliances were formed, Germany formed an alliance with Austria-Hungary, and France, Britain and Russia all pledged to help each other in aid if one was attacked.

War Begins The one spark the set off the war occurred on June 28, 1914 in the Bosnian city of Sarajevo. A Serbian nationalist assassinated Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the Austro-Hungary. On July 29, Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia. After they declared war more countries joined in, as time progressed there were about 20 countries involved in the war.

The Deadliest War Both sides wanted this war to end quickly. By September, German forces had advanced to within 30 miles of Paris . During the the battle that took place 30 miles from france nethire sides were pulling ahead and were in a deadlock this battle became known as the western front which fighting here lasted for three long years. There were many advances in Technology that helped both sides, Planes invented just a few years before the war helped both sides scout and help ground forces. Aromed Tanks also made an appearance on the battlefield. Also heavy arterial and rapid fire machine guns increased the death toll. But the most feared weapon was poisonous gas, first used by germany, caused choking, blinding and burns.

American Neutrality American Neutrality President Woodrow Wilson Horrified by the bloodshed sought it best to keep the United States out of the war. How supported How in America? The Central Powers- German Americans ovically supported the Central Powers, also did Irish Americans because of Endlands long domination of Ireland. Americans supported the Allied Powers because of the United States and Great Britain's long history and similarities. America as free to trade with both sides but mainly with the allies because of the British Naval Blockade around germany. Wilson cut A deal with Britain making them buy more cotton for the stop of german sales.

The Lusitania Germany had very few surface ships to blockade Britain and Spain. But they had new technology the U-Boat which we call today submarines to blockade Britain. On May 7, 1915, a U-boat sank a British passenger liner, the Lusitania. Nearly 1,200 people died, 128 of them Americans. The Germans said they got news that the liner was carrying ammunition to Great Britain. To keep the United States out of the war Germany said there U-boats would no longer skink passenger liners and neutral merchant ships.

Entering The War President Wilson tried to make Peace between the two powers but failed in his attempt. In result Germany continued unrestricted submarine warfare in February 1917. Germany hoped cutting off American supplies to Great Britain would break the slatementon on the Western Front. On February 24, wilson received a Telegram from Great Britain telling him that German was proswing Mexico to join the war if so Germany would help Mexico take back New Mexico, Texas, and Arizona. The Russian leader Tsar Nicholas II was overthrown by an uprising group this group promised to stay in the war. Instead it made it easier for Wilson to join the war because the United States would be joining The allied forces without siding with a Tyrant.

Declaring War On April 2, Wilson asked Congress to declare war against the Central powers. Congress overwhelmingly gave its approval. After nearly three years on the sidelines, the United States was at war.

Trench Warfare Trench Warfare was mainly used in France and on the western Front. Trenches snaked all across the French countryside, soldiers faced mud, rats, cold, heat, and always the threat of death.

The End By: Drake Van Hyfte