World War I Begins 11.1 Notes Continued

Schlieffen Plan Germany’s between Russia and France 2 allied countries First-strike strategy Sweep through France first Then concentrate on Russia Must move through Belgium to get to France Britain is Belgium’s ally and protector Though Britain would remain neutral Allies unable to save Belgium Posted at Marne River, France Halted German advance

Trench Warfare 2 sets of trenches for long siege 3 kinds of trenches Germans vs. Allies Belgian coast to Swiss Alps Rat infested, unsanitary 3 kinds of trenches Front line, support, reserve Underground dugouts for officers quarters “no man’s land” – area between trenches Soldiers periodically charged enemy lines

First Battle of the Somme July 1, 1916 until mid-November 60,000 British casualties on 1st day 1.2 million total Only 7 miles changed hands

War Affects the U.S. Britain blockaded German Coast Prevent weapons, military supplies, food U.S. ships unable to get to Germany Angry at first b/c hurts economy, open seas idea Famine hit Germany – 750,000 starved to death German U-Boat response Counter-blockade of submarines (unterseaboot) Target British or Ally ships around British waters Were not warning before attacks War Affects the U.S.

Sinking of Lusitania May 7, 1915 British liner sunk off Ireland coast 1,198 lost, 128 Americans Liner supposedly carried “ammunition” American’s outraged Public opinion turned against Central Powers

Sussex Pledge Germany promised to warn ship crews before attacks Condition – U.S. had to persuade Britain to lift blockade against food and fertilizers

Wilson Reelected U.S. involvement inevitable now Reelected in 1916 Attempted to mediate WWI diplomatically Germany refused Submarine warfare resumed Affected hostile AND neutral boats U.S. involvement inevitable now Waiting for “overt acts” Russian Revolution draws U.S. closer

Zimmerman Note Telegram sent from German foreign minister to ambassador in Mexico Intercepted by British agents Alliance between Germany and Mexico If war broke out… Help Mexico get back “lost territories” Threat of enemy bordering U.S.