Ms. Mason History WW1

Nationalism

A strong feeling of pride and loyalty to one’s nation or ethnic group; led to competition and conflict in Europe.

Imperialism

The race among European nations to build overseas empires in Africa and Asia; caused jealousy and rivalry.

Militarism

The buildup of armies, navies, and weapons; countries believed military strength would solve problems.

Alliance System

Agreements between nations to defend one another; created two sides—the Triple Alliance and Triple Entente.

Unrestricted Submarine Warfare (Germany)

Germany’s U-boats attacked ships without warning, including those with Americans aboard.

Freedom of the Seas

The U.S. belief that ships should travel freely in international waters; violated by German U-boat attacks.

Allied Propaganda

Britain and France used newspapers and posters to sway American opinion against Germany.

Mounting Hostility Toward Germany

Increasing anger toward German actions, including invasions and submarine attacks.

U.S. Economic Interests

The U.S. traded heavily with Britain and France and loaned them money; their victory protected U.S. investments.

U.S. Idealism / Democracy

President Wilson wanted to “make the world safe for democracy.”

U.S. Security

The U.S. felt threatened if Germany gained control of Europe and world trade.

Sinking of the Lusitania (1915)

German U-boat sank a British passenger ship, killing 1,200 people, including 128 Americans.

Sinking of the Sussex (1916)

A French ship torpedoed by Germany; led to the Sussex Pledge.

Sussex Pledge

Germany’s promise to stop unrestricted submarine warfare; later broken in 1917.

Unrestricted Submarine Warfare (1917)

Germany resumed attacks on all ships heading to Allied ports.

Zimmerman Note

Secret German telegram urging Mexico to attack the U.S.; promised return of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona.

Strong Leadership

President Woodrow Wilson organized government and war agencies to support the war effort.

Mobilizing the Economy

Government managed factories and resources to produce war materials; citizens conserved and bought war bonds.

Espionage & Sedition Acts (1917–1918)

Laws that limited free speech and punished criticism of the war or government.

Financing the War

The government raised money through war bonds and increased taxes.

Selective Service Act (Draft)

Law requiring men to register for military service; millions were drafted into the army.

Total War

Entire societies and economies focused on winning the war.

Worldwide Involvement

The war spread to Europe, Africa, Asia, and the seas—becoming a true world war.

New Weapons & Technology

Machine guns, tanks, airplanes, poison gas, and submarines changed how wars were fought.

Naval Warfare / U-Boats

Germany used submarines to blockade Britain and sink supply ships.

Russian Revolution (1917)

The Bolshevik (Communist) Revolution caused Russia to leave the war.

U.S. Military Contributions

U.S. troops helped the Allies win key battles and turn the tide in 1918.

Germany’s Surrender (Armistice 1918)

Fighting ended November 11, 1918, when Germany agreed to an armistice.

Wilson’s 14 Points

President Wilson’s plan for peace including free trade, self-determination, and the League of Nations.

The Big Four

U.S., France, Britain, and Italy—each had different goals for the peace treaty.

Major Treaty Provisions

Germany took blame, paid reparations, lost land, and faced military limits; League of Nations formed.

Changing Map of Europe

New countries created: Poland, Czechoslovakia, Yugoslavia; old empires dissolved.

Casualties of WWI

Over 10 million soldiers killed and more than 20 million wounded.

Cost of WWI

The war cost over $350 billion worldwide.

Communism in Russia

Russia’s revolution led to the world’s first communist nation: the Soviet Union.

Economic Impact of WWI

War debt and instability helped cause the Great Depression.

End of Dynasties

Major royal families fell: German, Austrian, and Russian empires collapsed.

New European Borders

Europe was redrawn; new nations appeared, setting up future conflicts.

Rise of Dictatorships

Economic and political chaos allowed leaders like Mussolini and Hitler to take power.

U.S. Emerges as a World Power

The U.S. became strong globally but returned to isolationism after the war.