Causes of the War and US Entry WWI Pt 1 Causes of the War and US Entry

Basic Info 1914-1918- dates of the “Great War” 1917- when US got involved in the war Turning point in U.S. history First time US involved itself in a European War US proves power status The war started in Europe from several long term factors- M.A.I.N.

Causes= M.A.I.N. Imperialism Militarism Alliances Nationalism -belief that a country should maintain a strong military and be willing to use it -Countries started building bigger militaries Alliances -alliances developed between European countries, so when one started fighting, the others did Imperialism -competition for colonies led to fighting between nations Nationalism -belief that one nation is superior to all others; wanted to prove how great they are -Also, people who wanted independence for their people – like Bosnia European Causes of WWI

Assassination of Archduke Start of the War Assassination of Archduke Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand- heir (prince) to Austria-Hungary throne is assassination while vising Serbia- event that sparked/started WWI Assassinated by a secret Serbian organization who wanted independence (nationalism) for Slavic people living in Austria-Hungary Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia Because of alliance system, Russia (supports Serbia) declared war on Austria France backed up Russia Germany and Ottomans helped Austria Germany goes through Belgium to get to France Britain is friends to Belgium, declares war on Germany Why were so many European nations pulled into the conflict?

Gavrilo Princip

Why were so many European nations pulled into the conflict?

Alliances Russia, France, and England = Allied Powers Germany, Austria-Hungary, Ottoman Empire = Central Powers Conflict in the Balkan peninsula (Serbia, Bosnia) led to the rest of Europe being pulled in If one part of an alliance is attacked/starts fighting, all of the rest do too What do you do when someone insults your friends? Do you defend them? How?

Austria-Hungary Germany Ottoman Empire Bulgaria Serbia Russia France Britain

Alliances

US “Neutrality” President Woodrow Wilson promised neutrality- stay out of it BUT several things were making us consider joining: American trade was interrupted by war- so US losing $$ America loaned money to Allied powers (esp Britain) US banks and businesses heavily invested in Britain Worried about losing money if Britain loses Russian Revolution- Russia left war b/c of revolution and civil war  Germany could now totally focus on Britain and France

Causes of American Involvement = S.L.U.T.Z.

S- Soviet Revolution L- Lusitania T- Ties with Britain Soviet revolution in Russia made them leave WWI (they became communist) Germany could focus all its resources on Britain and France now- they need US help even more S- Soviet Revolution British passenger ship sunk in 1915 by Germany; killed over 1,000 (128 Americans); US outraged (even though there were weapons on the ship L- Lusitania Germany says they will sink ALL ships in blockaded areas Hostile/aggressive actions violated US neutrality Official reason the US enters the war U- Unrestricted Submarine Warfare (U-boats) US was close with Britain; had a lot of money invested in Britain they didn’t want to lose T- Ties with Britain Germany sends telegram to Mexico, said if Mexico joined war, they would get back TX, NM, AZ; US finds out and is mad Z- Zimmerman Telegram

Why did the unrestricted submarine warfare of Germany pull the US into the war?

US Enters the War German unrestricted submarine warfare- attacked any ship thought to be carrying supplies/ weapons Official reason for US entry into WWI- it violated our neutrality England blockaded Germany; no food/supplies could get in Germany used subs to retaliate; sank merchant ships, not just military ones INCLUDING US SHIPS April 1917- US declared war on Germany and its allies Tired of Germany attacking ships Trading with England/ providing weapons and supplies President Wilson said there were “Moral implications” for the US joining the war- we needed to make the world safe for democracy Women throw shade at Wilson back at home- why is he so concerned with Germany’s democracy and not with women voting in US? (because the 19th amendment wasn’t passed yet)

STAAR Practice

BIG IDEA How did the US respond to the start of WWI in Europe? Why did the US enter WWI?