How did this mess start, & how did we get dragged in? World War I How did this mess start, & how did we get dragged in?

The -isms Militarism Nationalism Imperialism (Economic Rivalries & Entangled Alliances) Militarism: build up of armies already happening-war inevitable. Germany most ready-long history of war going back to Roman times. Germans had most weapons in the world. Germans tried to increase their navy to compete w/ English. France and Russia build up armies. Looks bad already w/ amount of troops and increased power of technology and weapons. Nationalism: shifting borders included many ethnicities and cultures. Belief in a single national culture, not a diversity. Becomes very racist. Those not in the dominant culture face tough decisions. Social Darwinism once again. Break-away nations (Serbia) pose threat to larger empires by taking land and inspiring others. Nationalism turns to economic issues of imperialism to gain money, power, and status through conquest. Leaders of empires start making pacts with each other. (Alliances) 1.) Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy:

Entangled Alliances Triple Alliance: Germany, Austria-Hungary, & Italy (Central Powers) Triple Entente: France, Russia, Great Britain (The Allies)

June 28, 1914 The Shot Heard ‘round the World Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand (heir to the throne in Austria-Hungary) Killed by Serbs in Bosnia (land and culture conflicts)

Kaiser Wilhelm (Germany) German emperor Backed Austria- Hungary in retaliation Chain reaction of declarations of war

Trench Warfare Military technology: machine guns, tanks, heavy artillery Fighting all over the world, most centered on the “Western Front” in France Much deadlier war than anyone expected

United States Position Wilson wants neutrality America’s diversity was encouraged Did not want to be racial divided like Europe Poses a problem for those living in America Stick with who we know: France and England

Germans invade Belgium War atrocities from German soldiers What is America to do? Isolation Intervention Internationalists

What else pushed the US in? The Zimmerman Note The sinking of The Lusitania

“Peace without Victory” National equality based on self- determination, arms reductions, freedom of the seas, and an international organization to ensure peace Good for us…Europe wanted no part of it.

“World must be safe for democracy!”

“It is not an army we must shape and train for war, it is a Nation!”