General Causes of World War I (MAIN) Militarism: increased arms race and using the military as diplomatic tool Alliance System: Europe formed two large “armed camps” (Allies and Central Powers)

General Causes of World War I (MAIN) Imperialism: competition for colonies and control of trade Nationalism: focusing on self-interest of each nation; love for only your country A British WWI Battleship

The Exact Cause of World War I The assassination of the Austrian prince Franz Ferdinand in 1914 started World War I. Austria declared war on Serbia. Within weeks, the European continent was at war!

United States Wants to Be NEUTRAL Most Americans wanted to stay out of the war (be neutral) Think of the Monroe Doctrine U.S. avoided involvement for 3 years. After being reelected in 1916, President Woodrow Wilson vowed to stay neutral

United States Joins the Fight in 1917 Germans used unrestricted submarine warfare that attacked American ships Germans sunk the Lusitania a passenger ship carrying many Americans Zimmerman Telegram from Germany encouraged Mexico to attack the U.S. Britain was America’ greatest ally. German U-boats (above) sank many ships. The Lusitania (below) was carrying American passengers when it was attacked.

Allies Central Powers Britain France United States Russia Italy Germany Austria-Hungary Ottoman Empire Bulgaria

More Reasons Why America Joined WWI Russia left the war under its communist revolution To make the world “safe for democracy” (Woodrow Wilson)

Americans Tipped the Balance of the War Use of American resources helped the Allies on the front and behind the lines Infusion of fresh American troops boosted morale Fighting stopped on November 11, 1918 with an armistice

While American entry into World War I ensured Allied victory, THE FAILURE TO CONCLUDE A LASTING PEACE LEFT A BITTER LEGACY.

Fourteen Points Woodrow Wilson’s Plan for a Lasting World Peace after World War I

Fourteen Points Included Self-determination: national boundaries be decided based on people, and they should establish their own governments Freedom of seas: open trading to all peaceful nations Mandate System: Colonial policies should consider the interests of the people League of Nations: organization to provide peaceful means of solving disputes rather than war

Meeting at Versailles After WWI, Britain, France and Italy wanted to punish Germany and Austria Central Powers and Soviet Union were not invited to attend the conference Wilson was forced to concede (give up) most of his 14 Points! In 1919, the Big 4 met in Paris to negotiate the Treaty of Versailles. (left to right) Lloyd George of Britain, Orlando of Italy, Clemenceau of France, and Woodrow Wilson of the U.S.

Treaty of Versailles Many new nations were formed as land was taken from the defeated Central Powers (Poland, Finland, Turkey, many Middle Eastern countries) Mandates (captured colonies) were given to Allies to rule Germany had to pay war reparations (debts) ($33 billion) Germany had to sign a “war guilt clause” taking blame for World War I The League of Nations was formed

America Opposed the Treaty of Versailles Felt it was too punishing Objected to foreign policy decisions being made by international organizations (the League of Nations) Senate refused to ratify the Treaty of Versailles Senate refused to join the League of Nations!

Weaknesses of the Treaty of Versailles Germany was humiliated and destroyed Allies had ignored the needs of the new Soviet government International instability was created in the new nations and mandates U.S. returned to isolationist policies

These failures will lead to global depression and World War II