General Information… Started on July 28, 1914 Ended on November 11, 1918 Almost 8,000,000 dead. *** Russia the most = 1.7 million Almost 22,000,000 wounded….. Map of Europe greatly changed.

Reasons for start of war… Extreme nationalism – pride in country Imperialism Militarism – building up military Alliance system - –European powers formed rival alliances to protect themselves –PROBLEM? One event could drag all countries involved into a conflict.

Europe on the start of War Rising worries in Europe, 1914 The worries result of four factors –Militarism –Alliances –Imperialism –Nationalism

Militarism Large military buildup in European countries, Wanted to protect overseas colonies from other nations Growing power of armed forces left all sides ready to act at first sign of trouble Minor disagreements had potential to turn to armed conflict

Alliances Nations formed partnerships to protect against opposing forces Triple Alliance united Germany, Austria- Hungary, Italy Great Britain joined France, Russia in Triple Entente Believed no one nation would attack another, because allies would join fight

Imperialism European powers quest to build empires Created rivalry, dispute among European nations Germany, France, Russia, Great Britain compete to become great imperial nations Each did not want others to gain power

Nationalism Strong believe to one’s national group or culture increased Led to formation of new countries, struggles for power

The Black Hand.. The main objective of the Black Hand was the creation, by means of violence, of a Greater Serbia. Its stated aim was: "To realize the national ideal, the unification of all Serbs. This organization prefers terrorist action to cultural activities; it will therefore remain secret."

The spark that lit the fuse…. The one event that started the Great War happened in the Balkans. The Archduke Franz Ferdinand (Austria) was assassinated while visiting Serbia. The Black Hand was responsible….

War in the Trenches After the Schleiffen Plan failed the French army and the German army dug trenches (ditches) to protect their soldiers. Mud. Barbed wire. Lice. Hardtack. Bully beef. Rain. Sleet and snow. Rats. Bodies. Machine guns. Bullets. Sandbags. These and many other emotional and psychological problems were part of the soldiers’ lives.

What were the trenches? Trenches were generally holes dug about 2 meters deep

Describe the conditions that the men in the trenches are fighting in. What does this tell you about trench war?

The view ‘over the top’ for the Soldiers in the trenches in April 1915.

Look carefully at this photograph. What conditions were soldiers living in while in the Front Line Trenches?

What do you think has happened to this trench?

Map 31.1: Major U.S. Operations in France, 1918

Figure 31.1: Approximate Comparative Losses in World War I