What do you think? Is it right for Americans to intervene in foreign conflicts? When American lives are threatened, how should the government respond? Should America go to war to make the world “safe for democracy”?
Modern Examples Ukraine Syria U.S. government involvement to avoid serious consequences http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UYvXQYnV4Zk Syria Persuade international community http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4cWolaB6eI
The First World War
Causes of World War 1 http://www.history.com/topics/world-war-i/world-war-i-history/videos/causes-of-world-war-i Nationalism: devotion to the interests and culture of one’s nation Imperialism: extending economic and political control to new territories Miltarism: development of armed forces as a tool of diplomacy
Alliance System Multiple countries working together Allies Also known as the Triple Entente France, Britain, and Russia Central Powers Germany, Austria-Hungary, and the Ottoman Empire Reference map on page 581
Causes of World War 1 Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria A demonstration of Serbian nationalism Austria-Hungary declares war on Serbia Germany is an ally of A.H. so they declare war on Russia Then France… Then they invade Belgium…
Fighting Begins Trench Warfare http://www.history.com/topics/world-war-i/world-war-i-history/videos/trench-warfare?m=528e394da93ae&s=undefined&f=1&free=false
Americans Question Neutrality Divided Loyalties Many Americans, specifically recent immigrants, still had close ties with European countries already involved in the war Economic interests were at stake Yet, Americans didn’t want to see loss of life
The War Hits Home Americans began supporting the Allies for two reasons To ensure Allied repayment of debts to the U.S. To prevent Germany from threatening U.S. shipping Britain blockades Germany causing food shortages Germany retaliates with U-boat counterblockade
Lusitania German U-boats attack the Lusitania http://www.history.com/topics/world-war-i/world-war-i-history/videos/u-boats-sink-the-lusitania-in-1915?m=528e394da93ae&s=undefined&f=1&free=false Killed over 1,000 people, include 128 Americans Germany claims the Lusitania contained ammunition Americans are outraged and turn against Germany President Wilson calls for a “peace without victory… a peace between equals”
German Provocation Zimmerman note German prime minister to German ambassador to Mexico Germany promises if the U.S. joins the war, Germany would also support Mexico in trying to regain Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona.
America Acts America enters World War 1 Wilson wants to make the world “safe for democracy” Russian monarchy is overthrown, so Russian allies are now democratic as well