1. WWI begins MAIN Causes of War:
Militarism: Belief that humans are at their best when they are at war.
Germany and Britain begin to increase their naval strength, Germany and Russia increase their standing armies.
Alliance system already in place
Triple Entente (later becomes Allies): France, Great Britain, Russia
Triple Alliance (later becomes Central Powers): Germany, Austria-Hungary (Ottoman Empire joins later)
Imperialism: Britain and France have established large empires in Asia and Africa… German leadership wants a cut
Nationalism: National pride and patriotism

3. WWI begins
Spark: assassination of Archduke Ferdinand (heir to Austrian throne) by a Serb nationalist
A-H declares war against Serbia, who had alliance with Russia
Germany declares war against Russia (Triple Entente) because they had a previous alliance with A-H
Domino effect due to previous alliances: Europe now at war

5. US involvement before entry to war
Major supplier: factories mobilized so much that there was a shortage of workers
Supply threatened by German U-boat warfare against Britain (in response to Britain placing blockade around Germany)
Wilson tries to be mediator/ peacemaker, but is unsuccessful

6. Why did the U.S. actually decide to enter the war?

7. 1. Good for business?
U.S. trade with Great Britain and France quadrupled based on needs of war

8. 2. Keeping our investments safe?
Hundreds of millions loaned to Allies
What happens if they lose?
We didn't win a thing we set out for in the last war. We merely succeeded, with tremendous loss of life, to make secure the loans of private bankers to the Allies.
-- Senator Gerald Nye of North Dakota, Chairman of the Senate Munitions Committee (circa 1936)

9. 3. Ties to Great Britain combined with anti-German feelings?

10. 4. Make the world “safe for democracy”?
Wilson runs for president in 1916 on promise to avoid war
Tries to get both sides to negotiate, fails
Proclaims neutrality and asks American’s to avoid taking sides
German responds that even neutral American ships will be regarded as enemies
Wilson’s outlook shifts: Speech in 1917: “We are glad...to fight...for the ultimate peace of the world and for the liberation of its peoples, the German peoples included: for the right of nations great and small and the privilege of men everywhere to choose their way of life and of obedience. The world must be made safe for democracy....
Russian revolution in 1917: Russia has Communist revolution, drops out of war, meaning only monarchy on Allied side no longer involved

11. 5. U.S. under attack?
German U-boat warfare on any cargo heading to Britain (including American supply ships)
Lusitania (liner carrying Americans) sunk by a U-boat
In 1917 Germany begins UNRESTRICTED U-boat warfare… hoping to know out Great Britain before U.S. can enter.
Convinced Wilson
Zimmerman Telegram: German minister to Mexican ambassador: if US enters war and Mexico helps Germany, they will help Mexico get back Texas
Convinced Congress

12. April 2, 1917-Wilson asks Congress to declare war on Germany
“The World must be made safe for Democracy”(…and free trade)
April 6th-Congress votes and declares war

13. Mobilization
Europe was engaged in TOTAL WAR (war in which every possible “weapon” and resource is used to win)
Europe needed munitions and supplies-immediate action
Encouraged Americans to eat less meat and bread
Invented Daylight Savings to conserve fuel

14. Mobilization
***Convinced Americans to put savings into “Liberty Bonds”***
Increased income tax, business tax, and excise tax

15. US Propaganda
Made heroes out of soldiers and villains out of the Germans
Attacked and gave new names to anything that sounded German

16. US Propaganda

17. Armed Forces Thousands volunteered
Selective Service Act (1917)-2.8 million drafted by lottery
American Expeditionary Force (AEF) led by General John J. “Black Jack” Pershing

18. Civil Liberties
Espionage Act of 1917-imprisoned for 20 year if caught inciting a riot or obstructing the draft
Sedition Act of 1918-Prohibited from making disloyal remarks
Schneck v. US (1919)-Restriction of civil liberties is ok if it demonstrates a “clear and present danger” to public safety

19. Minorities
Women-Entered the workforce in mass, took the jobs of soldiers fighting in Europe
Contribute to the passage of the 19th Amendment in 1919 (voting rights)
African-Americans-400,000 volunteered for the armed services, served in non-combat roles, and in segregated units

20. Fighting the War New style of warfare: mechanized Machine guns tanks
long-range, heavy artillery
poison gas (various types)
Trench warfare causing“No-Man’s Land”
Hand grenades

21. Trench Warfare

22. Casualties 49,000-Combat Deaths 64,000-Died from Disease
Worldwide Flu Epidemic

23. Approximate Comparative Losses in World War I
Figure 31.1: Approximate Comparative Losses in World War I ©Houghton Mifflin