SS8H7d Causes of World War I

Causes of WWI There were underlying causes that resulted in tensions in Europe as well as an event that triggered the war. There were also events that happened to bring the United States into the war.

M- Militarism European countries believed they needed a large military force to protect their land and people. This led to an arm’s race between many of the large countries.

A- Alliances An agreement made between two or more countries to give each other help if needed. When an alliance is signed, those countries become known as Allies.

I- Imperialism (Colonies) European countries were competing for colonies in Africa and Asia. These colonies provided important resources to the countries that claimed them. Germany had fewer colonies than Britain and France. German leaders thought they deserved more.

N- Nationalism A strong sense of pride or loyalty to ones own country. People wanted and were willing to fight so that their country was better than the rest.

A- Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand The spark that started World War I… The Archduke was the heir to Austria-Hungary throne He and his wife were touring Sarajevo, Bosnia which was a part of Austria Hungary. The Archduke and his wife were assassinated by a Serbian nationalists. This was to protest Austria-Hungary having control over this region.

The War Begins Austria-Hungary declares war on Serbia. Russian began to mobilize due to its alliance with Serbia. Germany declares war on Russia. War expands due to all of the alliances.

The United States The United States was not interested in joining the fighting in Europe. President Woodrow Wilson promised Americans that he would keep them out of the fight. The United States tried to remain neutral. The U.S. was drawn into the war…

L- Lusitania- Sinking of British began transporting military supplies from America to England using luxury liners. Germany knew this and warned that ALL ships entering the are would be targets. A German submarine sank the passenger ship called the Lusitania… it was carrying military supplies 128 Americans were killed.

Z- Zimmerman Telegram A secret communication from German Foreign Minister, Arthur Zimmerman to Mexico. Germany asked Mexico to attack the United States. In return, Germany promised to return territories that Mexico lost to the United States during the Mexican-American War.

Encoded Telegram

Decoded Telegram

U.S. Joins the War Upon discovering the telegram, the United States declared war on Germany on April 6, 1917

Georgia’s Contributions During the War Georgia provided many military training camps. Fort McPherson, Camp Gordon, Camp Benning, Camp Stewart 100,000 Georgians joined the war Georgians bought war bonds Georgians made products in its factories that contributed to the war effort. Georgians grew victory gardens to help supply the troops.