March 14th, 2012 Deep Thought Question Describe trench warfare. What do you think would be the most challenging part of fighting in such a style of warfare? TURN IN ADS!

Random Fact of the Day In West Virginia, if you run over an animal, you can legally take it home and cook it for dinner.

Brackets! Turn them in by tomorrow at NOON! I went 0-2 in last night’s games…I’m not happy.

Europe Plunges Into War Chapter 13 Section 2

Introduction By 1914, Europe divides into two rival camps. The Triple Entente Great Britain, France and Russia The Triple Alliance Germany, Austria-Hungary and Italy Austria’s declaration of war against Serbia set off a chain reaction within the alliance system. Pledged to support each other.

The Great War Begins Russia began moving its army toward the Russian-Austrian border in response to Austria’s declaration of war against Serbia. Russia expected Germany to join Austria, therefore, they also moved their troops to the German border. Germany took this as a declaration of war. Germany declared war on Russia on 8/1/1914

The Great War Begins (cont.) Russia looked to France for help. Before France could react, Germany declared war on them, too. Great Britain declared war on Germany.

Nations Take Sides By mid-August 1914, the battle lines were clearly drawn. Germany and A-H were on one side. Central Powers Later joined by Bulgaria and the Ottoman Empire Britain, France and Russia on the other side. Allied Powers or Allies Japan soon joined and Italy joined later

I thought Italy was part of the Triple Alliance… Italy had been a member of the Triple Alliance with Germany and A-H. However, Italians felt that Germany and A-H unjustly started a war and changed sides.

A Bloody Stalemate Many people felt that the war would be short. By fall of 1914, the war turned into a long and bloody stalemate. This deadlocked region in northern France became known as the Western Front.

The Conflict Grinds Along Germany was facing a war on two fronts. Developed a battle strategy known as the Schlieffen Plan. Called for attacking and defeating France in the west then rushing to fight Russia in the east. Germans felt this plan would work because Russians lagged behind Europe in their railroad system. This meant longer waits for supplies on the front line.

Clicker Question #1 Why did Italy refuse to support its ally Germany? It had spent too many resources on regional conflicts in Southern Italy It did not like the possibility of fighting the USA It had a political revolution right before the war It accused the Germans of starting the war

Clicker Question #2 What statement summarizes the Schlieffen Plan that Germany created to prepare for a two-front war? Attack Russia first, then France Send the army to both fronts at once Ally with Russia to fight France Attack France first, then Russia

The First Battle of Marne German leaders needed a quick victory over France. Things looked good for Germany at first. They entered the outskirts of Paris. Allies, however, regrouped and attacked the Germans. After four days of fighting, Germans gave the order to retreat.

Single Most Important Event of the War The First Battle of Marne Defeat of the Germans left the Schlieffen Plan in ruins. Russian forces had already invaded Germany in the east. Germany was forced to fight a two front war. Sent troops to the east. Western Front remained in stalemate.

YouTube Video Video portrays how the Schlieffen plan failed FAIL

The Battle on the Eastern Front War on the Western Front claimed thousands of lives. Both sides were still sending millions more men to fight on the Eastern Front. Stretch of battlefield along the German and Russian border. Russians and Serbs were battling Germans and Austro-Hungarians. More mobile than in the west. Slaughter and stalemate were still common.

Early Fighting Russian forces launched an attack into both Austria and Germany. Germans counterattacked and crushed the Russian army, killing 30,000 Russians. Russians drove deep into Austria after two wins. Three months later (December 1914) Austrians defeated the Russians and pushed them out of their country.

Clicker Question #3 What was the significance in the Allied victory at the First Battle of the Marne? It forced Russia to drop out of the war Germany had to start fighting on two fronts It allowed Germany to invade France It prompted the United States to enter the war

Clicker Question #4 The fighting on French soil between the French and Germans became known as what? The Great Stalemate The Eastern Front The Western Front Paris

Russia Struggles By 1916, Russia’s war effort was near collapse. Russia was not industrialized like other European countries. Short on food, guns, ammunition, clothes, boots and blankets. Allied supply shipments were limited by German control of the Baltic Sea, extensive submarines in the North Sea and Ottoman control of the Black Sea.

Russia’s Asset Russian army’s one asset – it’s numbers. The Russian army, due to it’s population, managed to hold up hundreds of thousands of German troops on the Eastern Front. As a result, Germany could not fully attack the west. Fighting soon spread to Africa, Southwest and Southeast Asia.

EXIT QUESTIONS Why did Italy refuse to support its ally Germany? It had spent too many resources on regional conflicts in Southern Italy It did not like the possibility of fighting the USA It opposed fighting with Austria-Hungary It accused the Germans of starting the war

EXIT QUESTIONS What was the significance in the Allied victory at the First Battle of the Marne? It forced Russia to drop out of the war Germany had to start fighting on two fronts It allowed Germany to invade France It prompted the United States to enter the war