2. U.S. and WWI Class Notes

3. Beginning of WWI started off as a small conflict between the countries of Serbia and Austria- Hungary.

5. Many European countries were dragged into the war because of secret treaties and alliances. U.S. policy was one of isolationism versus imperialism from previous decades.isolationism imperialism U.S. allied with Great Britain, France, and Russia because of strong immigration ties.

6. U.S. Trade with Germany and Allied Countries

7. Politics and Economy Germany upset with U.S. claim of neutrality U.S. becomes fastest growing economy in the world-leads to superpower status

8. German Warfare Germany begins unrestricted submarine warfare. Germany sinks British passenger liner called the Lusitania killing 1200 of 2000 people aboard (128 Americans). Germany promises to stop sub attacks if England stops naval blockade in North Sea.

9. Zimmermann Telegram Germany asks Mexico to invade the U.S. Germany promises Mexico land in return for their help. U.S. intercepts telegram and U.S. is prepared for war with Germany.

10. General Information WWI lasted from 1914-1918. U.S. only in war for 18 months. U.S. industrial power was too strong to defeat. Trench Warfare. Both sides dug in and fought over small plots of land. Military tactics fell behind technology- 20th century war using 19th century tactics.

12. Primary Sources http://www.firstworldwar.com/source/zimm ermann.htm#zimmermann%20telegram http://www.geocities.com/Athens?Acropoli s/2354/somme.html http://www.firstworldwar.com/diaries/gasatt ackatypres.htm

13. Vocabulary Isolationism-A policy of not participating in or withdrawing from international affairs, especially as practiced by US governments during the first half of the 20th century. Imperialism-The practice of one country extending its control over the territory, political system, or economic life of another country.