World War I = “The Great War” (1914-1918) Sections: A & B

Causes of WW1

Nationalism, Imperialism, Militarism, and Alliances

Nationalism WW1

pride or love of one's country

Nations in Europe wanted to go to war to show they were superior

Imperialism WW1

The domination of one nation over the political, economic, and cultural life of another nation

Caused competition in Europe over land in Africa and Asia

Militarism WW1

Glorification of the military and readiness to go to war

Alliances WW1

Central Powers: Germany, Austria, and the Ottoman Empire

The Allies: England, France, and Russia

Causes of WW1 significance

divided Europe into two armed camps and a series of events led to war

June 28, 1914

Archduke Ferdinand the heir to the throne in Austria was assassinated

Gavrilo Princip

Assassin

Member of a nationalist group from Serbia

U.S. was _______ for the first three years

neutral

Wilson believed in __________

preparedness

preparedness

he wanted to remain neutral but felt the US should be ready if England faced a major crisis

Propaganda

Posters, stories, and ads used to influence public opinion

During the war, most was anti-German

international Law

Rules for war

Rules for war

Nations at war must warn neutral ships before firing

Nations at war had the right to inspect neutral ships

Neutral nations must trade equally with both sides

Inspect for contraband

Weapons or supplies that are sent by a neutral nation to a nation at war

Germany

Had U-Boats

Wilson called it unrestricted submarine warfare

Lusitania: (1915)

British passenger ship that was sunk by German U-Boats

1,198 people died, 128 people being american

Wilson warned Germany that continued use of submarines would cause the US to join the War

1916:

Wilson was reelected with the slogan "He kept us out of war."

1917

War is at a stalemate

Many losses on both sides, but nobody was winning the war

Zimmerman Telegraph (1917)

Sent by Germany to Mexico, asking them to join the Central Powers

Germany promised Mexico: Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona if they win

Intercepted by England and sent to the US

Wilson Quotes

"We will achieve peace felt victory."

"The world must be made safe for democracy."

"This will be a war to end all wars."

April 6, 1917

US declared war on Germany, and entered on the Allies side