1. World War I

2. Essential Question
Although the United States tried to remain neutral, what events eventually pushed the nation into World War I?

3. Outbreak of War Alliances: Military Buildup
Triple Alliance – Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy
Triple Entente – Great Britain, France, Russia
Military Buildup
Both Great Britain and Germany began building their naval powers
Nationalism and Self-Determination
Pride in one’s homeland and the idea that people who belong to a nation have the right to govern themselves.

4. War Begins
Austro-Hungarian Archduke Franz Ferdinand assassinated in Serbia by a member of the “Black Hand” on June 28, 1914.
July 28, 1914 – Austria declared war on Serbia
August 1, 1914 – Germany declared war on Russia
Russians were ethnic Slavs and felt an obligation
August 3, 1914 – Germany declared war on France
Britain declares war when Germany crossed into Belgium

5. Archduke Franz Ferdinand vs. Gavrilo Princip

6. New Teams Allies: Central Powers:
Great Britain, France, Russia, Italy, Serbia, Greece, Belgium
Central Powers:
Germany, Austria-Hungary, Bulgaria, Ottoman Empire

7. Surrounded

8. American Neutrality
“We must be impartial in thought as well as in action.” –Woodrow Wilson
What are the possible positive and negative impacts of this statement?
Why would American citizens disagree with President Wilson’s statement?

9. Moving Toward War
Unterseeboots (U-Boats) being used by the Germans to attack British and French vessels
Sinking of the Lusitania on May 7, 1915 – killed 1,200 passengers (128 Americans)
March 1916 – Sussex Pledge made between U.S. and Germany

11. Zimmerman Telegram
Germany sent a telegram to Mexico promising to give back lost territory “taken” by the United States if Mexico allied itself with Germany.
Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona

12. United States Goes to War
German U-boats resumed unrestricted submarine warfare
Sank 6 American merchant ships without warning between February 3 and March 2
April 4, U.S. declares war on Germany