7.5 World War I: Fighting and Diplomacy

World War I Begins

• World War I erupted in Europe in July 1914 after the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand.
• Two coalitions formed:
  • Triple Entente (Allied Powers): Britain, Russia, and France.
  • Triple Alliance (Central Powers): Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy.
• The United States initially maintained neutrality.

Factors Leading to US Involvement

• Several events challenged US neutrality:
  • Sinking of the Lusitania (1915):
    • German submarines sunk ships in the war zone around the British Isles.
    • The Lusitania, a passenger ship, was sunk, killing many civilians, including 128 Americans.
    • This event enraged the American public and President Woodrow Wilson.
    • Germany ceased unrestricted submarine warfare temporarily to avoid US entry into the war.
  • German Unrestricted Submarine Warfare:
    • Germany resumed sinking all ships entering the war zone, including American ships.
  • Zimmerman Telegram:
    • Germany sent a telegram to Mexico, proposing an alliance against the US.
    • Germany promised to help Mexico regain land lost in the Mexican-American War.
    • The US intercepted the telegram, revealing Germany's hostile intentions.

US Enters the War

• Woodrow Wilson asked Congress for a declaration of war against Germany.
• Congress granted the declaration on April 2.
• Wilson stated that the US must enter the war to "make the world safe for democracy."

American Expeditionary Forces

• The war lasted only twenty more months after the US entered.
• The American Expeditionary Forces (AEF), commanded by John Pershing, initially reinforced French and British lines.
• Eventually, the AEF took over a significant portion of the western front.
• US entry tipped the balance of the war in favor of the Allies.

Treaty of Versailles and Wilson's 14 Points

• The war officially ended on November 11, 1918, with the signing of the Treaty of Versailles.
• Woodrow Wilson advocated for a fair treaty to ensure a stable Europe, countering the vengeful desires of Britain and France.
• Wilson proposed the 14 Points:
  • Freedom of the seas.
  • Self-determination of nations.
  • Establishment of a League of Nations to resolve international disputes.

League of Nations

• The League of Nations was created, but the US Congress refused to ratify the Treaty of Versailles due to concerns that membership would lead to involvement in future wars without congressional approval.