United States History & Government 11th Grade Boys/Girls 23 July 2019 What were the causes of World War I and How did the United States Join the War? United States History & Government 11th Grade Boys/Girls 23 July 2019
Long Term Causes Nationalism Imperialism Competitive and antagonistic rivalry between European Nations Envy to German Power Desire for self determination by various ethnic groups within various empires Imperialism Colonization by European and other imperial powers Colonial Rivalry
Long Term Causes Militarism System of Alliances The development of armed forces and their usage as a diplomatic tool Increasing military spending – growing arms race. System of Alliances Triple Alliance Germany, Austria-Hungary and Italy Triple Entente Britain, France and Russia
Immediate Cause of the War Balkan was the “Powder Keg” Russia and Germany both had interest there Bosnia was particularly important 1914: Austrian Archduke Francis [Franz] Ferdinand was assassinated in Sarajevo, by a Serb nationalist member of Black Hand.
Beginning of the War Austria-Hungary Declared war on Serbia on July 28, 1914 Russia promised to help Serbia Germany declared war on Russia on August 1. Germany also declared war on France on August 1 Germany Invaded Belgium, a neutral country Now Britain Declared war on Germany
Initial Stage of the War Alliances were regrouped and renamed Italy switched side and joined “Allies” former triple entente Ottoman Empire and Bulgaria joined with triple alliance now called the “Central Powers” Allies lost Belgium to Germans Then both side got stuck in a never ending “Trench Warfare” Soldiers faced each other on “no-man’s” land. Heavy casualty on both sides did not make any change.
American Public Opinion Regarding War Socialists considered it a conflict of capitalist interests Pacifists considered it evil to fight in a war Many Americans simply did not want their sons to die in the war Many Americans of German descent supported Germany Irish Americans were anti British and thought of an opportunity for Ireland’s independence Other Americans felt close to Britain because of common ancestry and language. American economic interest was with allies.
Effect of War on America British blockade of German coast caused Americans angry German U-Boats started to sink ships around Britain. American export was harmed.
U.S. Joined the War A U-Boat sank British ship Lusitania killing 128 Americans Germany’s announcement that it would sink all ships in British water British interception of Zimmerman Notes President Wilson declared his war resolution on April2, 1917. Congress approved the resolution.
Homework Questions 1, 2, and 3 on page 586.