The Shot Heard Around the World…. The only thing needed to start a world war is one tiny spark

The Spark: Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand June 1914 Gavrilo Princip and Black Hand (Serbian nationalism) Austria-Hungary declares war on Serbia Alliance system brings many countries in on what was expected to be a small war August 1, Germany declares war on Russia August 3, Germany declares war on France Germany invades Belgium Britain declares war on Germany and Austria-Hungary

The Fighting Starts Germany invades Belgium using the Schlieffan Plan Split armies, one to keep Russia at bay, the other to go through Belgium and then take France Then take both armies and make a push at Russia Allies pushed back to Marne River, and stopped German advance in Sept. 1914 Trench Warfare and “no man’s land” Very devastating to both sides

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Why is America Staying Neutral? 1914, most Americans saw no need to get involved in a war 3,000 miles away many saw the war as a struggle with capitalist an imperialist countries to gain more power around the world Many new citizens still had families back in their other country fighting in the war America’s tries with the Allies were stronger than with the Central Powers, send military supplies

The War Hits Home Why is America mobilizing for war in 1917? Make sure they are paid back for the loans given to the Allies Keep Germany from threatening U.S. shipping British Blockade of German coast and North Sea Causes American ships to stop helping Germany Causes severe famine across Germany by 1917

Germany’s response to the blockade U-Boats (submarines) Any ship in waters around Britain would be destroyed sometimes with no warning May 7, 1915, sinking of Lusitania (some were American) American public opinion against Germany and the Central Powers Germany continues to sink passengers ships with warnings from the U.S. Election 1916 Wilson wins on slogan “He Kept Us out of War”

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US Declares WAR! Zimmerman Note April 2, 1917 Wilson gives war resolution speech, a few days later Congress declares war