WORLD WAR 1: The Great War Key Figures

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: SS.912.A.4.5 Examine causes, course, and consequences of United States involvement in World War I. SS.912.A.4.6 Examine how the United States government prepared the nation for war with war measures (Selective Service Act, War Industries Board, war bonds, Espionage Act, Sedition Act, Committee of Public Information). SS.912.A.4.7 Examine the impact of airplanes, battleships, new weaponry and chemical warfare in creating new war strategies (trench warfare, convoys). SS.912.A.4.10 Examine the provisions of the Treaty of Versailles and the failure of the United States to support the League of Nations.

The Political Leaders Archduke Franz Ferdinand: Heir to the throne of Austria-Hungary He and his wife, Sophie, were murdered in Sarajevo on June 28, 1914 by a Serbian nationalist. His assassination was considered to be the spark for be First World War.

The Political Leaders Franz Joseph I of Austria: The emperor of Austria and king of Hungary Declared war on Serbia on June 28, 1914—a month after the assassination of his nephew and heir, Franz Ferdinand

The Political Leaders Kaiser Wilhelm II: The last king of Prussia and German emperor His fears of being surrounded by Britain, France and Russia led to his military build up The grandson of Queen Victoria of Britain

The Political Leaders Tsar Nicholas II of Russia: Last Russian tsar The Imperial Army suffered approximately 3.3 million casualties— this is often cited as the part of the cause for the fall of the Romanov dynasty. Forced to abdicate after the First Russian Revolution. He and his entire family were executed by the Bolsheviks on July 17, 1918

The Political Leaders Albert I of Belgium: Belgian king who succeeded his uncle, Leopold II in 1909. Took an active role in the war at the side of France, Britain, and Russia Earned the nickname “The Knight King”.

The Political Leaders Georges Clemenceau: French Prime Minister from 1917-1920. Known as the “Tiger;” a key figure in holding French will to fight for victory, when others considered making a treaty with Germany. Took a harsh position against Germany at the Treaty of Versailles

The Political Leaders David Lloyd George: Prime Minister of the UK from 1916 to the end of war. Played a key role in organizing the British war effort. Created a war cabinet of five key people, which he hoped would prevent the mistakes of the first two years.

The Political Leaders Vittorio Orlando: Italian statesman and prime minister during the concluding years of World War I  Head of his country’s delegation to the Versailles Peace Conference.

The Political Leaders Woodrow Wilson: Initially sought to keep America out of the war Decided to join in when countless US ships were sunk all over the Atlantic Ocean Part of the Treaty of Versailles and used “Fourteen Points” to negotiate it. Credited for creating the League of Nations Awarded with the Nobel Peace Prize in 1920

The Political Leaders Winston Churchill: First Lord of the Admiralty Resigned in 1915 for his role in the unsuccessful Gallipoli campaign He returned as an officer on the Western front In 1917, he was appointed Minister of Munitions, where he was successful in organizing supplies.

The Opposition Henry Cabot Lodge: American politician from Massachusetts and the first U.S. Senate majority leader Opposed the Treaty of Versailles and the League of Nations

The Political Leaders Leon Trotsky: Russian revolutionary who lived abroad during most of the war. Convinced his fellow Bolsheviks to revolt in 1917 and he became head of the Council of People’s Commissars Was the force behind Russia for the Brest-Litovsk Treaty.

The Soldiers Gavrilo Princip: Teenage Serbian militant who assassinated Austrian Archduke Franz Ferdinand Armed and trained by a Serbian terrorist group known as the Black Hand. Assassination of Ferdinand is widely considered to be the opening shot of World War I.

The Soldiers Baron Manfred von Richthofen: The ‘Red Baron’ who was the top flying ace of the war Credited with 80 air combat victories, despite flying in a highly visible red aircraft. Killed in April 1918

The Soldiers T.E. Lawrence: “Lawrence of Arabia” British officer posted to the Middle East. Played a key role in fomenting the Arabs to revolt against the Ottoman Empire.