 This video clip shows some of the reasons why World War I occurred.  While watching the video, write down the reasons why World War I began. Beginnings of World War I

1) Nationalism – the belief that the interests of one country are more important that cooperation among countries. Each nation in Europe thought they were supreme to the others. 2) Imperialism – European countries were trying to increase their power and influence in the world by taking land, which led to conflict. 3) Militarism – building up armed forces 4) Alliance system – several countries in Europe made treaties promising to protect and defend each other.

 Triple Entente – France, Great Britain, and Russia  Triple Alliance – Germany, Austria- Hungary, and the Ottoman Empire

 In 1914, Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated. He had been the heir to the throne of Austria-Hungary  His killer was from Serbia, so Austria-Hungary wanted to strike back.  Because of the alliance system most of Europe was pulled into war.

 Using the handout and the link on my website, let’s look at why the United States got involved in World War I.

 America declared neutrality – declaring no side  However, America supported the Allies by providing aid and money.  This angered Germany and they sunk the British ship Lusitania, killing more than 1000 people, including 128 Americans.  Germany then announced that it would sink all ships in British waters, regardless of where they were from

 Americans were already upset over the sinking of British ships  In 1917 British agents intercepted the Zimmerman Note – a telegram that proposed an alliance between Germany and Mexico against the United States.  On April 6, 1917 Congress declared war on Germany.

 Shortly after declaring war Congress passed the Selective Service Act – required men age to register for a draft. This law is still in effect today, but the ages are  African-Americans who signed up for the military were segregated  When American troops arrived the Allies (Triple Entente and others) were struggling and needed help.  Under the leadership of General John J. Pershing the American soldiers endured trench warfare

 In November 1917 a group of Russians called the Bolsheviks led by Vladimir Lenin took control of Russia’s government and instituted a communist government. The Bolsheviks signed a peace agreement with the Central Powers (Triple Alliance) leaving Germany free to focus only on the French.  By 1918 the Germans were within 70 miles of taking Paris

 Thanks in part to the addition of American troops, the momentum of the war went to the Allies  At the Second Battle of the Marne the German army suffered 150,000 casualties  German soldiers began to leave the army and citizens became angry at the lack of food and the collapse of the German economy  On November 11, 1918 an armistice was signed that officially ended fighting. The Treaty of Versailles was signed eight months later which outlined the punishment for Germany  Germany had to give up all territory it had occupied  Surrender aircraft, artillery, tanks, and U-boats  Germany had to allow Allied troops into its territory