1. WWI (World War I) The Great War

2. World War I World War I began when Austria-Hungary’s soon to be king was assassinated by Serbian Nationalists when he visited Bosnia. Serbia wanted Bosnia to join their “team” or form an alliance them, NOT with Austria-Hungary. So… … Austria-Hungary threatened war on Serbia and new alliances were developed throughout Europe Austria-Hungary vs. Serbia, Russia Germany Great Britain, France

3. Newly Developed Alliances: The Central Powers: Austria-Hungary Serbia Russia The Triple Entente: Germany Great Britain France Who was President of the United States during WWI? Woodrow Wilson

4. Why did America get involved in WWI? German submarines or U-boats were sinking passenger ships from America. Germany suspected these ships were carrying supplies and weapons to Russia, Great Britain, and France. What passenger ship did Germany sink? Lusitania Were Germany’s suspicions correct? Was the U.S. really sneaking supplies on the Lusitania? YES!!!

5. Zimmerman Telegram Arthur Zimmerman, Germany’s foreign minister, sent a secret telegram to Mexico. What did the telegram ask Mexico to do? Germany asked Mexico to attack the United States if the U.S. ever attacked Germany. What did the telegram promise Mexico? Germany promised Mexico they would help them take back the land Mexico lost to the United States.

6. Victory in Europe The first U.S. soldiers reached Europe in 1918 and Germany knew they could not win the war once America got involved. An armistice, or an agreement to STOP fighting was signed in November 1918. Treaty of Versailles – forced Germany to take total blame, pay for the war, and decrease the size of its military. America did not ratify the treaty because they feared it would lead to future wars…Do you think it did? WWII maybe???