WWI: The War Begins – Part 1 (Ch. 11, Sec. 1)

What were the MAIN causes of WWI? Militarism: nations built up their military strength (naval arms race) & mobilized for war Alliances: Triple Alliance (Germany, Austria- Hungary, & Italy) & Triple Entente (Britain, France, & Russia) divided world powers Imperialism: led to bitter competition for foreign colonies and world recognition Nationalism: (pride in one’s nation) fueled the desire of many nations to become independent

What immediate cause led to the beginning of WWI? Archduke Franz Ferdinand (heir to the throne) was assassinated in Serbia while visiting Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia after their demands were not met Serbia had a secret treaty with Russia & amassed their troops along Austria-Hungary’s border Austria-Hungary declared war on Russia and Germany invaded Belgium (part of Schlieffen Plan) France & Britain then declared war on Germany & the alliance system dragged the rest of Europe into war

What changed the face of war during WWI? New military technology led to trench warfare and bloody stalemates (little gained by either side) Modern machine guns, hand grenades, tanks, airplanes, and heavy artillery played major roles in the ground fighting Air superiority (air craft) became an important factor in WWI leading to dogfights Submarine warfare and chemical weapons were used during WWI to gain psychological advantage

WWI: The War Begins – Part 2 (Ch. 11, Sec. 1) 1. War in Europe Affects US Citizens 2. US Warned Germany About U-boat Attacks 3. US Declared War on Germany

How did the war in Europe affect American citizens? Most Americans chose to remain neutral & avoid a war 3,000 miles away Still wanting to avoid the war, America sent the Allies large quantities of military supplies Britain blockaded German coast, causing 750,000 civilians to starve to death Germany responded with unrestricted submarine warfare against Britain

What caused the US to threaten to end relations with Germany? Germany threatened to sink all ships, British or Allied, in or around British waters In 1915, German U-boats sank the Lusitania (128 Americans aboard), US was outraged US warned Germany about attacking any passenger ships, but took no action When Germany continued to attack passenger ships, US threatened to end diplomatic ties

What caused the US to finally declare war on Germany? On Jan. 31 st, 1917, Germany announced it would resume its unrestricted submarine warfare British agents then intercepted the Zimmerman note (offered an alliance to Mexico) When German u-boats sank 4 unarmed US merchant ships, America braced for war After the collapse of the Russian monarchy (after 300 years) to a socialist government, America declared war