Causes of the War M Militarism A Alliances I Imperialism N Nationalism

Militarism 1. Germany was competing with the UK to build battleships. The British feared an attack on their Empire

Militarism 2. Germany was competing with Russia and France to expand their armies Germany1.3m5.0m France0.73m4.0m Russia0.40m1.2m

Alliances By 1914 all the major powers were linked by a system of alliances. The alliances made it more likely that a war would start. Once started, the alliances made it more likely to spread.

Imperialism All the great powers were competing for colonies / territory. The British feared Germany in Africa. The Austrians feared Serbia / Russia in the Balkans

Nationalism This was an age when all nations wanted to assert their power and independence. In Europe Slavs, aided by Serbia and Russia, wanted to be free of Austrian rule. Serbia’s national flag

Significant Individuals 1. Kaiser Wilhelm II Built up German army and navy Aggressive foreign policy Determined to make Germany a top nation. Distrusted by other powers “Germany must have its place in the sun” “The world belongs to the strong.”

Significant Individuals 2 Count Berchtold Austrian Prime Minister. During the July Crisis, decided on a very tough ultimatum for Serbia “Were the Serbs to agree to all the demands, this would not be to my liking”

Significant Individuals 3 Bethmann Hollweg German Prime Minister Gave very strong support to Austria during the July crisis while Kaiser was cruising on his yacht “The Austrian demands are moderate. Any interference by Britain, France and Russia would be followed by incalculable consequences”

The Crisis June 1914 Heir to Austrian throne Franz Ferdinand visits Sarajevo. Capital of Bosnia, recently grabbed by Austria. Hotbed of Slav nationalism Seal of the Black Hand group

The Crisis 2. “Black Hand” terrorists attack the Arch Duke Bomb attempt fails in morning Gavrilo Princip shoots Archduke and wife in the afternoon. This is the SPARK that ignited WWI Austrians blame Serbia for supporting terrorists.

The Crisis 3. Austrians, supported by Germany, send Serbia a tough ultimatum. Serbia agrees to all but two terms of the ultimatum. Russia mobilises her troops to support Serbia Germany demands that Russia stands her armies down. Germany declares war on Russia “Demands must be put to Serbia that would be wholly impossible for them to accept …”

The Schlieffen Plan Germany’s military plan to defeat France and Russia. “Knock out blow” aimed at France first. Avoid French defences by invasion of Belgium. Germans thought Britain would not intervene.

On the Way to World War Once Austria-Hungary had assurance of German support, it made HARSH demands on Serbia. AustriaSerbia Russia & France Austria Hungary GermanyRussia and France GermanyBelgium BritainGermany Declares War Invades Declares War

Central & Allied Powers After W.W. I Began –The Central Powers (1)Germany (2)Austria- Hungary (3)Ottoman Empire (4)Bulgaria –The Allied Powers (1)France (2)England (3)Russia (quits in 1917) (4)*Italy (5)U.S. (1917)

Why did it take so long for America to get involved in the war? America was isolationist. –“Why should I get involved in someone else’s problems?” The Monroe Doctrine (1823) sought to isolate “the American continents” from European influences and problems. In this cartoon, “The Great Wall” (1914), the Monroe Doctrine is shown as a protective shield for the United States.

Submarine Warfare The Germans warned Americans their merchant ships might be hit. Reaches a crisis point after Lusitania is torpedoed in 1915—128 Americans died. After sinking of British and French liners, Germans promised they would not sink unarmed ships without warning  SUSSEX PLEDGE

The Lusitania Germans warned British their passenger liners were in danger England still sailed Lusitania from New York to England German U-boat torpedoed Lusitania in May 1915 –Sunk in 18 minutes –2,000 on board, 1200 died including 128 Americans –Ship was carrying secret cargo of war materials. Wilson still wanted US to stay neutral, campaigned on promise “He kept us out of war”

The Zimmerman Note (1917) Sent by German foreign secretary Arthur Zimmerman to Mexico Was intercepted and decoded by British Telegram stated Germany would again begin unrestricted submarine warfare Even worse, telegram proposes alliance between Germany and Mexico –Germany promises will help Mexico get land back

Zimmerman Note

America Enters the War 1917—Germany announced unrestricted submarine warfare. US finds Zimmerman Note on “Overt” acts—German U-boats sank four unarmed American merchant vessels in two weeks. April 6, 1917: US declares war because of these German actions.

How was the war looking for the allies? Russia left the war after its communist revolution in Russia’s withdrawal allowed Germany to fight a one- front war with all its troops concentrated on France (remember this point when you study WWII!). Not Good... Calling for a Communist revolution, anti - Tsarist protesters gather outside the Winter Palace in Petrograd, Russia, February 1917.

Russia Leaves the War The Bolsheviks, who were communists, overthrow the Russian government The Bolsheviks were led by Vladimir Lenin the Russians signed the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk with the Central Powers