World War I War Erupts in Europe

Objectives Explain how Europe became engulfed in the war.   Describe the American response to the war.

Essential Question Why did a small conflict in the Balkans turn into a war that engulfed the entire world?

Terms Central Powers Allies Western Front Schlieffen Plan Trench Warfare Eastern Front

I Can . . . I know what countries made up the Triple Alliance and Triple Entente I understand why Italy refused to support its ally, Germany. I can explain the significance of the Allied victory at the First Battle of the Marne. I can describe the impact of the new tools (machine gun, poison gas, submarine and large artillery) on the war.

Dominoes Fall Austria-Hungary convinced that Serbia was behind the assassination July 28, 1914 Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia. Chain reaction Mobilization – The reading of troops for war. July 29, 1914 Russia mobilized its troops

Germany sends ultimatum to Russia Germany mobilized toward Russia France mobilized its troops toward Germany.

War Begins August 1, 1914 Germany Declares war on Russia. Schlieffen Plan – German plan to strike first. Germany moved through Belgium to attack France August 4, 1914 Great Britain declared war on Germany All of Europe was now engulfed in a bloody and horrifying war.

“War to End all Wars”

“War will end in 6 weeks” Napoleonic style fighting with modern weapons Bloody combination.

Battle of Somme British suffered 20,000 soldiers in one day Stalemate – A situation in which neither side could gain an advantage German forces had advanced with in 30 miles of Paris Stopped by French and British forces. Both sides dug in

                                                               

Modern Warfare

Trench Warfare Massive system of trenches Stretched almost the entire length of France. Trenches were muddy, rat infested, filled with dead bodies and disease. Both sides were fighting for yards.

Horror of Modern Warfare No-man’s land – Area between trenches that was covered with land mines and rolls of razor-wire.

American Response

American Neutrality Join or not to Join? German, Austrian and Italian immigrants Cruel Germans? U.S. was getting rich from the war by selling goods to European countries. August 4, 1914 President Wilson declared the U.S. neutral.

Americans Become Prepared December 1914 the National Security League -promote patriotic education and national pride. Congress authorized the military to increase its size.