World War I SOL WHII.9

World War I lasted from 1914-1918 and was caused by competition among industrial nations in Europe and a failure of diplomacy.

The war transformed European and American life, wrecked the economies of Europe, and planted the seeds for a second world war.

There were alliances that divided Europe into competing camps. Germany, Italy, and Austria-Hungary formed an alliance known as the Triple Alliance Great Britain, France, and Russia formed an alliance known as the Triple Entente

Here are the factors that fueled World War I! Nationalistic feelings Imperialism Militarism Competition over colonies

Unfortunately, all diplomatic attempts to settle differences failed!

Major Events

Assasignation>> The spark that ignited the war was the assassination of Archduke Francis Ferdinand and his wife when they were visiting Sarajevo. Fredinands Assasignation>>

In 1917, a revolution erupted in Russia as Lenin and the Bolsheviks attempted to take over the government. Russia signed a separate peace with the Central Powers and took Russian troops home.

With Russia out of the war, France and Great Britain were at a disadvantage. The United States voted to enter the war and join the Allied Powers after Germans aggressively used submarine warfare.

Major Leaders

Woodrow Wilson, President from the United States, was a major leader of World War I. He viewed the war as a battle to safeguard democracy for mankind.

Wilson proposed Fourteen Points for settling WWI Wilson proposed Fourteen Points for settling WWI. The “star” of these points was the formation of the League of Nations which would be an international organization that would help provide an avenue of collective security.

Kaiser Wilhelm II was the leader of Germany during WWI Kaiser Wilhelm II was the leader of Germany during WWI. He was also the leader of the Central Powers.

Outcomes and Global Effects

World War I ended several European empires: Ottoman Empire Austro-Hungarian Empire Russian Imperial Empire German Empire

This global war had an enormous cost in lives, property, and social disruption.

Colonies that participated in the war increased their demands for independence.

Treaty of Versailles

The Treaty of Versailles brought an end to World War I The Treaty of Versailles brought an end to World War I. This treaty forced Germany to: Accept guilt for starting the war Pay reparations – payment for war damage Loss of large chunks of territory

In addition, Germany had to abolish its military draft and was allowed an army of only 100,000. This severely limited the German military.