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The U.S. Enters World War I Chapter 14 Section 1
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Woodrow Wilson Elected president in 1912. Strongly opposed imperialism. Believed that the U.S. should promote democracy in order to keep peace in the world.
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The Outbreak of World War I Tensions among European nations were building in 1914. Some factors for this include: –The Alliance system –The Naval Race –The Balkan Crisis
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The Alliance System Germany and France had become enemies because of a prior conflict. Germany signed alliances with Italy and Austria-Hungary to protect itself. Russians were worried that Germany may move eastward, so they signed an alliance with France because of their common opposition of Germany & Austria-Hungary.
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The Naval Race In 1898, Germany began to challenge Great Britain and their dominance of the sea. In the early 1900s both Germany and Great Britain were racing to build warships. Because of this, tensions increased and Britain became closer with France and Russia.
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Balkan Crisis The Austro-Hungarian Empire had ruled the Balkans. Because of the idea of nationalism, many nations began to push for independence. Some who wanted this were the Serbs, Bosnians, Croats, and Slovens.
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Franz Ferdinand The heir to the throne of Austria-Hungary. Was killed by a member of the “black hand,” which was group that hoped to destroy the Austrian-Hungary Empire. How did this start World War I?
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The Austro-Hungarian government blamed Serbia for the attack. They asked Germany for support, then issued an ultimatum to the Serbian government. Since the Russians supported the Serbs, the Serbs expected Russia’s support. And in turn, Russia expected France’s support.
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1914 Timeline (DO NOT WRITE) June 28 – Archduke Franz Ferdinand is assassinated. July 28 – Austria declares war on Serbia. August 1 – Germany declares war on Russia. August 3 – Germany declares war on France.
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England enters war Germany’s original plan was to invade France and knock them out of the war. They had to pass through Belgium to get to France. Since England had promised Belgium neutrality, England declared war on Germany.
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Alliances Allies –France –Russia –Great Britain –Italy –United States Central Powers Germany Austria-Hungary Bulgaria Ottoman Empire
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Germany’s plan fails Germany is unable to take France after the Russians attack Germany on the eastern front.
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American Neutrality When WWI began, President Wilson declared the U.S. to be neutral in an attempt to keep the country from being drawn into a foreign affair.
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Americans Take Sides U.S. citizens had many differing views on the war and which alliance to side with. What are some reasons to side with the Central Powers? Allies?
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The U.S. leaned toward the Allies more than the Central Powers for these reasons: –The President’s cabinet believed an Allied victory would balance world power. –Companies in the U.S. had strong ties with businesses in the Allied countries.
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British Blockade Shortly after the war, Britain deployed a blockade to Germany, to keep them from obtaining supplies. Germany then decided to cut off food supplies coming from the U.S. to France and England. They did this by using their new U- boats. The Germans said they would attempt to sink without warning any ship they saw around Britain.
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Lusitania A British passenger ship Was fired upon by the Germans, killing over 1200 civilians. Then a French passenger ship Sussex, was torpedoed and this injured many Americans on board. This led to the Sussex Pledge after President Wilson threatened to have the U.S. join the war.
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The Zimmerman Telegram A letter written by Arthur Zimmerman, the German ambassador in Mexico. What was in this letter?
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America Declares War Between Feb 3 and March 21, German U- boats sank six American merchant ships without warning. After this President Wilson went before Congress and asked for a declaration of war. Then the U.S. officially declared war on Germany on April 6, 1917.
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