Causes of World War I & Reasons for U.S. Entry PowerPoint by Mr. Hataway Created 10-15-12

Bellringer: With a partner, brainstorm possible definitions for “total war.” Write down your personal definition for “total war” in your journal. BE PREPARED TO TURN IN JOURNALS ON FRIDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Spain

Cornell Notes: instructional statements Today, I will learn . . . Identify the causes of WWI and reasons for U.S. entry. I have learned it when I can . . . Classify events of WWI as either a cause of WWI or as a reason for U.S. entry to the war.

Essential Question What were the causes of World War I and reasons for U.S. entry in the war?

Causes of World War I Militarism – maintaining a powerful military. European nations maintained strong military culture and institutions; prepared for an attack. Before 1914

Causes of World War I Think you might want to know these! Alliance System – countries forming coalitions to mutual protection. Allied Powers - France, Great Britain and Russia (after 1917 the United States.) Central Powers – Germany, Austria- Hungary, and the Ottoman Empire (modern Turkey) – during the war. 1914 That’s right, you need to know which countries were Allied Powers and which countries were Central Powers.

Causes of World War I Alliance System (How it worked?) Don’t write this!!! Alliance System (How it worked?) Austria declared war on Serbia Germany declared war on Russia, then France, to assist Austria Britain declared war on Germany for striking at France through Belgium Ottoman Empire and Bulgaria joined Germany and Austria to form the Central Powers while Britain, France and Russia joined by Italy and Japan formed the Allies.

Causes of World War I Alliance System American political and social ties were more closely aligned to Great Britain and France than to Germany. After 1917, USA joins the Allies

Causes of World War I Imperialism – Policy of acquiring colonies and territory. European powers had competing imperial ambitions which led to economic rivalries. Economic rivalries led to military expansion, diplomatic scheming, and international tensions. Before 1914

Serbia’s national flag Causes of World War I Nationalism – extreme pride in one’s country. Intense rivalries among France, Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Russia. Before 1914, several nationalities in Austria-Hungary wanted to form their own nation-states. Serbia’s national flag

M Militarism A Alliances I Imperialism N Nationalism MAIN reasons for war: M A I N Militarism Alliances Imperialism Nationalism

Causes of World War I Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand “The Spark that set off a Powder Keg” Ferdinand was heir to Austria-Hungarian Empire Ferdinand - and his wife Sophie - were killed by Serb nationalist Gavrilo Princip while on a formal visit to Sarajevo. June 28, 1914

Reasons for U.S. Entry to WWI German Proclamation forbade merchant ships from traveling through British waters. unleashed unrestricted submarine warfare on any ship entering the battle zone.

Reasons for U.S. Entry to WWI German Proclamation (1915) American vessels travelled these waters; some to aid the Allied war effort.

Reasons for U.S. Entry to WWI Sussex Pledge (1916) Germany pledged not to sink merchant ships without warning; does not uphold promise. Impacted American merchant ships.

Reasons for U.S. Entry to WWI Sinking of the Lusitania (1915) German submarine torpedoed British ocean liner Lusitania and 128 Americans (1,198 total passenger) American deaths prompted intervention.

Sinking of the Lusitania

Reasons for U.S. Entry to WWI Unrestricted Submarine Warfare (1916) Germany could not overcome the British naval blockade of German shipments. Germany used submarines to sink merchant ships with goods for Great Britain. Diplomatic negotiations failed to end Germany’s unrestricted submarine warfare. Continued U-boat attacks on American ships prompted intervention.

Reasons for U.S. Entry to WWI Unrestricted Submarine Warfare (1916) German U-boat Strategy: sink merchant ships on sight (German = Unterseeboot)

Reasons for U.S. Entry to WWI Zimmerman Telegram (1917) Arthur Zimmerman (German foreign minister) sent a note to the German minister in Mexico to encourage an alliance between Germany and Mexico. The U.S. intercepted the message and shared it with the American public. Americans were outraged and became even more supportive of American intervention.

Zimmerman Telegram

Reasons for U.S. Entry to WWI Neutrality WWI began in Europe in 1914 President Wilson declared U.S. neutral; attempted to maintain traditional American policy.

Reasons for U.S. Entry to WWI Neutrality (1914-1916) America drawn to war for several reasons: Alliances German Propaganda German Unrestricted Submarine Warfare Zimmerman Telegram

Reasons for U.S. Entry to WWI April 2, 1917 Wilson asks Congress to declare war “to make the world safe for democracy”

Reasons for U.S. entry into WWI: L T Z Sussex pledge Unrestricted German submarine warfare Lusitania Treaties Zimmerman note Hey you, do not rearrange these letters! Bad boys! What’s ya going to do….