1. United States History & Government 11th Grade Boys/Girls 7 May 2019
What were the causes of World War I and How did the United States Join the War?
United States History & Government
11th Grade Boys/Girls
7 May 2019

2. Long Term Causes Nationalism Imperialism
Competitive and antagonistic rivalry between European Nations
Envy to German Power
Desire for self determination by various ethnic groups within various empires
Imperialism
Colonization by European and other imperial powers
Colonial Rivalry

3. Long Term Causes Militarism System of Alliances
The development of armed forces and their usage as a diplomatic tool
Increasing military spending – growing arms race.
System of Alliances
Triple Alliance
Germany, Austria-Hungary and Italy
Triple Entente
Britain, France and Russia

4. Immediate Cause of the War
Balkan was the “Powder Keg”
Russia and Germany both had interest there
Bosnia was particularly important
1914: Austrian Archduke Francis [Franz] Ferdinand was assassinated in Sarajevo, by a Serb nationalist member of Black Hand.

5. Beginning of the War
Austria-Hungary Declared war on Serbia on July 28, 1914
Russia promised to help Serbia
Germany declared war on Russia on August 1.
Germany also declared war on France on August 1
Germany Invaded Belgium, a neutral country
Now Britain Declared war on Germany

6. Initial Stage of the War
Alliances were regrouped and renamed
Italy switched side and joined “Allies” former triple entente
Ottoman Empire and Bulgaria joined with triple alliance now called the “Central Powers”
Allies lost Belgium to Germans
Then both side got stuck in a never ending “Trench Warfare”
Soldiers faced each other on “no-man’s” land.
Heavy casualty on both sides did not make any change.

7. American Public Opinion Regarding War
Socialists considered it a conflict of capitalist interests
Pacifists considered it evil to fight in a war
Many Americans simply did not want their sons to die in the war
Many Americans of German descent supported Germany
Irish Americans were anti British and thought of an opportunity for Ireland’s independence
Other Americans felt close to Britain because of common ancestry and language.
American economic interest was with allies.

8. Effect of War on America
British blockade of German coast caused Americans angry
German U-Boats started to sink ships around Britain.
American export was harmed.

9. U.S. Joined the War
A U-Boat sank British ship Lusitania killing 128 Americans
Germany’s announcement that it would sink all ships in British water
British interception of Zimmerman Notes
President Wilson declared his war resolution on April2, 1917.
Congress approved the resolution.

10. Homework
Questions 1, 2, and 3 on page 586.