1. Causes of the War and US Entry
WWI Pt 1
Causes of the War and US Entry

2. Basic Info 1914-1918- dates of the “Great War”
1917- when US got involved in the war
Turning point in U.S. history
First time US involved itself in a European War
US proves power status
The war started in Europe from several long term factors- M.A.I.N.

3. Causes= M.A.I.N. Imperialism Militarism Alliances Nationalism
-belief that a country should maintain a strong military and be willing to use it
-Countries started building bigger militaries
Alliances
-alliances developed between European countries, so when one started fighting, the others did
Imperialism
-competition for colonies led to fighting between nations
Nationalism
-belief that one nation is superior to all others; wanted to prove how great they are
-Also, people who wanted independence for their people – like Bosnia
European Causes of WWI

5. Assassination of Archduke
Start of the War
Assassination of Archduke
Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand- heir (prince) to Austria-Hungary throne is assassination while vising Serbia- event that sparked/started WWI
Assassinated by a secret Serbian organization who wanted independence (nationalism) for Slavic people living in Austria-Hungary
Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia
Because of alliance system, Russia (supports Serbia) declared war on Austria
France backed up Russia
Germany and Ottomans helped Austria
Germany goes through Belgium to get to France
Britain is friends to Belgium, declares war on Germany
Why were so many European nations pulled into the conflict?

8. Gavrilo Princip

9. Why were so many European nations pulled into the conflict?

10. Alliances Russia, France, and England = Allied Powers
Germany, Austria-Hungary, Ottoman Empire = Central Powers
Conflict in the Balkan peninsula (Serbia, Bosnia) led to the rest of Europe being pulled in
If one part of an alliance is attacked/starts fighting, all of the rest do too
What do you do when someone insults your friends? Do you defend them? How?

12. Austria-Hungary
Germany
Ottoman Empire
Bulgaria
Serbia
Russia
France
Britain

13. Alliances

14. US “Neutrality”
President Woodrow Wilson promised neutrality- stay out of it
BUT several things were making us consider joining:
American trade was interrupted by war- so US losing $$
America loaned money to Allied powers (esp Britain)
US banks and businesses heavily invested in Britain
Worried about losing money if Britain loses
Russian Revolution- Russia left war b/c of revolution and civil war  Germany could now totally focus on Britain and France

15. Causes of American Involvement = S.L.U.T.Z.

16. S- Soviet Revolution L- Lusitania T- Ties with Britain
Soviet revolution in Russia made them leave WWI (they became communist)
Germany could focus all its resources on Britain and France now- they need US help even more
S- Soviet Revolution
British passenger ship sunk in 1915 by Germany; killed over 1,000 (128 Americans); US outraged (even though there were weapons on the ship
L- Lusitania
Germany says they will sink ALL ships in blockaded areas
Hostile/aggressive actions violated US neutrality
Official reason the US enters the war
U- Unrestricted Submarine Warfare (U-boats)
US was close with Britain; had a lot of money invested in Britain they didn’t want to lose
T- Ties with Britain
Germany sends telegram to Mexico, said if Mexico joined war, they would get back TX, NM, AZ; US finds out and is mad
Z- Zimmerman Telegram

20. Why did the unrestricted submarine warfare of Germany pull the US into the war?

21. US Enters the War
German unrestricted submarine warfare- attacked any ship thought to be carrying supplies/ weapons
Official reason for US entry into WWI- it violated our neutrality
England blockaded Germany; no food/supplies could get in
Germany used subs to retaliate; sank merchant ships, not just military ones INCLUDING US SHIPS
April US declared war on Germany and its allies
Tired of Germany attacking ships
Trading with England/ providing weapons and supplies
President Wilson said there were “Moral implications” for the US joining the war- we needed to make the world safe for democracy
Women throw shade at Wilson back at home- why is he so concerned with Germany’s democracy and not with women voting in US? (because the 19th amendment wasn’t passed yet)

23. STAAR Practice

24. BIG IDEA How did the US respond to the start of WWI in Europe?
Why did the US enter WWI?