1. World War I

3. Conditions in Europe in early 1900’s
Ripe with nationalism(Germany and Italy brimming with pride)
France steamed over the Franco-Prussian War defeat
Russia sponsoring a movement of all Slavic countries
Balkans are a ticking time bomb
Austria-Hungary and the Ottoman Empire struggling to control nationalist desires
Secret, entangling, alliances

4. Europe in 1914

5. Choosing sides: A History of Alliances TREATY DATE COUNTRIES
The Dual Alliance Austria-Hungary
Germany
In protecting Austria-Hungary from Russia, Germany was looking out for her own interests. If Austria-Hungary were ever to fall then the Russians would be at the German door. This was an actual defensive alliance on the part of Germany.

6. Europe in 1879

7. Choosing sides: A History of Alliances TREATY DATE COUNTRIES
The Triple Alliance Austria-Hungary
Germany
Italy
This strategic alliance was formed for the express purpose of stopping Italy from attacking Austria-Hungary in the event of war with Russia.

8. Europe in 1882

9. Choosing sides: A History of Alliances TREATY DATE COUNTRIES
Franco-Russian France
Russia
This major lasting alliance was the Russian reaction to The Triple Alliance.

10. Europe in 1894

11. Choosing sides: A History of Alliances TREATY DATE COUNTRIES
The Entente France
Cordiale Great Britain
This agreement between Great Britain and France was more a sign of healing relations than an actual alliance. The Triple Alliance powers took note.

12. Europe in 1904

13. Choosing sides: A History of Alliances TREATY DATE COUNTRIES
The Anglo Russia
Russian Entente Great Britain
Great Britain and Russia, having settled their differences, take this final step toward the Triple Entente.

14. Europe in 1914

15. Choosing sides: A History of Alliances TREATY DATE COUNTRIES
The Triple Russia
Entente Great Britain
France
This final alliance drew the lines for the war that would follow. Germany's worst fears of encirclement were realized and a two front war had been made a certainty.

16. Europe in 1907

17. Annexation:

18. Balkans
June 28, Arch Duke Franz Ferdinand of Austria and his wife Sophia make plans to be in parade in Bosnian capital, Sarajevo.
Bosnia, on June 28, 1912, had won its independence from the Ottoman Empire that had controlled it since 1389, but Austro-Hungary had tried to control it.

19. Assassination planned
A nationalist, terrorist-esque group called the Black Hand make plans to kill the Arch Duke and his wife during the parade
After crazy chain of events and coincidences, 19 year-old Gavrilo Princip, assassinates Franz Ferdinand and his wife.

20. Assassination: The start
Archduke Francis Ferdinand visits Sarajevo and puts his life in “God’s hands.” Gavrilo Princip fires two shots and kills both Ferdinand and his wife. June 28th, 1914

21. News Hits!!! Incredible chain of events ensue
Austria demands that Serbia crack down on all “anti-Austria” behavior -- Serbia refuses
Austria declares war on Serbia.
Germany gives Austria a “blank check” support.
Russia asks Austria to back down in support of its, “Slavic” neighbor.

22. Austria refuses, Russia begins to mobilize for war
Germany declares war on Russia
Russia turns to France and asks for help--France grants Russia a “blank check”
Germany declares war on France
Italy and Great Britain are neutral for the time being.

23. Declarations of War!

24. Excitement for war
People from all sides rush to enlist in their respective armies
artwork depicts fervor
Professionals and college students drop everything to enlist

31. Meanwhile, back at the ranch...
Back in Germany, General Alfred von Schlieffen had devised a plan (just in case), to avoid a two-front war.
Von Schlieffen Plan: go through Belgium, around France’s front line, and quickly take control of France before the backwards Russia could mobilize.
August 3, Germany invades Belgium and Great Britain declares war on Germany

32. Trench Warfare
Germans race through Belgium, (despite a treaty to honor its neutrality), and into France
Russia mobilizes and quickly wins a few small victories in East Prussia.
Germany pulls troops from France to defend its backside.
Trenches are dug between France and Germany that will barely move over the course of four ugly years.

33. 1800’s strategy takes on 20th century technology.
The result is carnage never seen before.

34. What about the Americans?
President Wilson issues a neutrality proclamation. American economy takes a leap with European war orders.
Country
Britain $594,271,863 $1,526,685,102
France $159,818,924 $ 626,851,988
Germany $344,794,276 $ ,899

35. How did the Americans get involved?
Unterseeboot
(U-Boat)

36. How did the Americans get involved?
Arabic sunk
Aug. 15th, 1915
2 Americans
Lusitania sunk
May 7th, 1915
1,198 lives
128 Americans
Sussex sunk
Germany issues
Sussex Agreement

37. The Zimmerman Note Berlin, January 19, 1917
On the first of February we intend to begin submarine warfare unrestricted. In spite of this, it is our intention to endeavor to keep neutral the United States of America.
If this attempt is not successful, we propose an alliance on the following basis with Mexico: That we shall make war together and together make peace. We shall give general financial support, and it is understood that Mexico is to reconquer the lost territory in New Mexico, Texas, and Arizona. The details are left to you for settlement....
You are instructed to inform the President of Mexico of the above in the greatest confidence as soon as it is certain that there will be an outbreak of war with the United States and suggest that the President of Mexico, on his own initiative, should communicate with Japan suggesting adherence at once to this plan; at the same time, offer to mediate between Germany and Japan.
Please call to the attention of the President of Mexico that the employment of ruthless submarine warfare now promises to compel England to make peace in a few months.
Zimmerman (Secretary of State)

38. How did the Americans get involved?
Four American
merchant
ships are sunk
in March 1917.
Germany declares
unlimited U-Boat
Warfare.
Wilson asks congress for a declaration of war on April 2, 1917.

39. Men Killed in Battle Russia: 1,700,000 Germany: France: 1,600,000
Britain:
Austria:
Italy:
United States:
1,700,000
1,600,000
1,385,000
900,000
800,000
462,000
53,000

40. The end of the War November 11, 1918 Germany agrees to an armistice
“The eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month”
Germany agrees to an armistice
Treaty of Versailles is signed 1919
The American congress refuses to sign
The Allied powers punish Germany
IS this already the start of WWII?

42. Trench warfare

45. Desolation of battle fields

47. Hole from exploded mines in 1916, Battle of the Somme