The Road to War Chapter 10 Section 1

Map of Europe

Causes of World War I Assassination of Archduke Francis Ferdinand This was the spark, but not the main cause. 1.) Imperialism - Great Scramble for un-colonized areas of the world took place in the late 1800s. - This surge of imperialism sharpened rivalries within Europe.

Causes of World War I cont’d. 2.) Militarism - This policy involved aggressively building up a nation’s armed forces in preparation for war. - Under this policy the military gained more authority. - All the super powers in Europe practiced militarism and their endless planning for war made war much more likely.

Causes of World War I 3.) Nationalism - Great powers act in their own best interest - Ethnic minorities longing for their way of life in a repressed area— often leads to violence 4.) Alliances - There was a complicated system of alliances throughout Europe -Countries made alliances for their defense

The Conflict Expands On July 28, 1914 Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia for the assassination Archduke Ferdinand. Chain reaction with alliance system Russia began mobilizing troops as Serbia’s primary protector, Germany responded by doing the same as an ally of Austria-Hungary. On Aug. 1, 1914 Germany declares war on Russia.

The Conflict Expands Cont’d. Using the Schlieffen Plan, the German army quickly swept through Belgium and northern France Invading Belgium brought Britain in the war Central Powers: Germany and Austria-Hungary (later the Ottoman Empire) Allies: Great Britian, Russia, France, Serbia (later Italy and the US)

Modern Warfare Machine guns, new artillery, tanks, poison gas, etc. Stalemate occurred due to each side equal in strength. Led to trench warfare. Described the first few years of the War. Modern/advanced weaponry resulted in high casualties Machine guns, new artillery, tanks, poison gas, etc. Generals slow to change tactics and kept giving the order to attack “over the top”

The American Response American Neutrality: Trade strongly influenced the American position on the war. The US wanted to protect American investments If entered the war or took sides, the US could jeopardize that President Wilson officially proclaimed the United States a neutral country On August 4, 1914. The American government protested the actions of both sides and tried to act as peacemaker.

American Response Cont’d. The Preparedness Movement - those who had strong commercial ties to Great Britain urged the United States to get ready for war. By the late summer of 1915, the movement’s leaders had persuaded the government to set up camps to train American men for combat. Congress imposed a tax to ready the military

American Response The Peace Movement: made up of… Populists Midwest progressives Social reformers Women

Michigan Department of Education High School Content Expectations U Michigan Department of Education High School Content Expectations U.S History and Geography 6.2.2