Global Causes of WWI Causes of America to enter WWI July 28, 1914 – November 11, 1918

Causes of WWI

4 MAIN - “isms” Causes of WWI Nationalism A devotion of the interests and culture of ones nation, Leads to competitive and antagonistic rivalries among nations. Imperialism European nations had been building empires slowly – extending their economic and political control over various peoples of the world.. Militarism the development of armed forces and their use as a tool of diplomacy or disputes could and would be settled on the battlefield. Alliance System Russia wanted access to the Mediterranean (warm water port) Germany wanted a railroad link to the Ottoman Empire Austria-Hungary had newly acquired Bosnia however Serbia thought Bosnia belonged to them.

Weapons Machine Gun Tank Toxic GAS Planes (Dog Fights)

Powder Keg of Europe: The Spark Bosnia Serbia Austria- Hungary Arch Duke Franz Ferdinand (Heir to Austo-Hungarian throne) makes a diplomatic visit to saravio bosnia. Serb nationalists Gravilo Princip, an association of the black hand secret society (Nationalistic Group) assassinates the Arch Duke and his wife Sophie. Ultimatum issued by Austria-Hungary to Serbia, but there was no compliance

Triple Entente: Allied Powers FRANCE GREAT BRITIAN RUSSIA Italy (Later Italy will switch sides) And later the US will join the allied powers in 1917

Triple Alliance: Central Powers Germany Austria- Hungary Italy (Italy will switch sides) Ottoman Empire Bulgaria

Fighting Zone The war was fought in France & Belgium The war was NEVER fought in Germany

Stalemate Western Front Trenches dug from the north sea to the Swiss Alps OVER 300 Miles Trench Foot No Mans Land: Land between the trenches. Filled with mines Booby Trapped Barbed Ware Gas Warfare: Trying to get the war Mobil again

Causes of America’s entry into WWI

Neutrality In the beginning the United States wanted to remain neutral. The war was happening in Europe. Wilson was re-elected in 1916 On the slogan “He kept us out of the war”

What pulled America into the War Unlimited Submarine (u-boat) warfare The sinking of the Lusitania Sussex Pledge is broken The Zimmerman Telegram

Unlimited Submarine (u-boat) warfare According to international law civilian ships must be warned before sinking – allowing for passengers to escape to safety. Germany was not doing this!

Captured German U-boat in a British dry dock

The Sinking of the Lusitania British passenger liner that set sail from New York carrying American citizens. It was sunk without warning on May 7, 1915 off the coast of Ireland 1,198 lost; 128 US citizens Germans claimed the Lusitania was carrying contraband (war materials: guns, ammunition…)

United States Navy War Propagand a Poster With the Lusitania in the background

RESULT of the Sinking of the Lusitania Germany despite promises sunk another ship The Sussex, killing 2 Americans Sussex Pledge The Pledge was upheld until February 1917, when unrestricted submarine warfare was resumed.

Zimmerman Telegram March 1917 The Zimmermann telegram released If the U.S. entered War against Central Powers, Mexico should attack the U.S. and receive as a reward: Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. AMERICANS WERE OUTRAGED!!!

America Declares War April 2, 1917 President Wilson asked Congress for a declaration of war April 6, 1917 Congress declares war!!