Beginning of WWI Coach Crews U.S. History

Militarism and Allegiance European nations focused on military power. Germany formed the Triple Alliance with Italy and Austria-Hungary. Russian leaders signed the Franco-Russian Alliance. This set off an arms race. Britain, France and Russia became known as the Triple Entente.

European Imperialism The Austro-Hungarian and Ottoman Empires controlled much of southeastern Europe. Nationalist feelings arose among people under these empires. The Serbs were the first to form a nation, Serbia. Russia supported the Serbs, and Austria-Hungary tried to limit Serbia’s growth.

War Begins Austrian archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated by a nationalist in Sarajevo Austria-Hungary turned to Germany for support against Serbia. Serbia turned to Russia and Russia turned to France. On July 28, 1914, Austria-Hungary officially declared war on Serbia. Germany declared war on Russia and France. Great Britain declared war on Germany after German forces entered neutral Belgium. The Allies - Britain, France, Russia, and Italy. Central Powers - Germany, Austria-Hungary, the Ottoman Empire, and Bulgaria

Neutrality Because of the varied cultural backgrounds, the U.S. declared neutrality. President Wilson’s cabinet believed an Allied victory would maintain the balance of power in Europe. The British worked to generate public American support through propaganda.

Moving toward War Germany launched a campaign of U-boat attacks on civilian ships in the waters around Britain. In 1915 Germany sank the Lusitania, a British passenger ship. The attack killed 128 Americans. Most people still wanted to remain neutral. Wilson won re-election with the slogan “He kept us out of the war.”

U.S. Enters War In 1917 Germany approached Mexico as a potential ally. It promised Mexico territory in Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona in return. British spies intercepted the Zimmermann Telegram and gave it to U.S. newspapers. German forces used unrestricted U-boat attacks, sank US ships Faced with an angry public and attacking Germans, Wilson gave up neutrality and asked Congress to declare war on Germany on April 6, 1917.