WWI Pre-US Involvement

Allied Powers vs. Central Powers 1. Austria-Hungary took over Bosnia & Herzegovina 2. Serbia mad at A-H, shot Ferdinand 3. A-H declares war on Serbia 4. Russia defends Serbia 5. Previous alliances join in

Stalemate Battles at Verdun and Somme River - 10 months 1 million dead Battles at Verdun and Somme River - 10 months 1 million dead British Navy cut off supplies to Germany British Navy cut off supplies to Germany German u-boats cut off supplies to Allies German u-boats cut off supplies to Allies U.S = Isolationism Long ties to allies Long ties to allies BUT BUT Many immigrants from Central Powers BUT THEN

Lusitania – May 1915 Law – warships may not destroy civilian ships Law – warships may not destroy civilian ships 1200 killed (128 Americans) 1200 killed (128 Americans) Germanys defense – We told you so! Germanys defense – We told you so! Thought war materials aboard

Sussex – sunk one year later U.S furious U.S furious Sussex Pledge 1915 – no sinking of ships w/o warning and saving lives Sussex Pledge 1915 – no sinking of ships w/o warning and saving lives 1917 – Germans broke pledge 1917 – Germans broke pledge Zimmerman Note Proposed alliance between Germ. And Mex. against US Proposed alliance between Germ. And Mex. against US Return Texas, Arizona, New Mex. Return Texas, Arizona, New Mex. April 6, 1917 US declares war on Germany US declares war on Germany