1. World War I Begins
11.1 Notes
Continued

2. Schlieffen Plan Germany’s between Russia and France
2 allied countries
First-strike strategy
Sweep through France first
Then concentrate on
Russia
Must move through Belgium to
get to France
Britain is Belgium’s ally and protector
Though Britain would remain neutral
Allies unable to save Belgium
Posted at Marne River, France
Halted German advance

3. Trench Warfare 2 sets of trenches for long siege 3 kinds of trenches
Germans vs. Allies
Belgian coast to Swiss Alps
Rat infested, unsanitary
3 kinds of trenches
Front line, support, reserve
Underground dugouts for
officers quarters
“no man’s land” – area
between trenches
Soldiers periodically charged
enemy lines

4. First Battle of the Somme
July 1, 1916 until mid-November
60,000 British casualties on 1st day
1.2 million total
Only 7 miles changed hands

5. War Affects the U.S. Britain blockaded German Coast
Prevent weapons, military supplies, food
U.S. ships unable to get to Germany
Angry at first b/c hurts economy, open seas idea
Famine hit Germany –
750,000 starved to death
German U-Boat response
Counter-blockade of submarines (unterseaboot)
Target British or Ally ships around British waters
Were not warning before attacks
War Affects the U.S.

6. Sinking of Lusitania May 7, 1915 British liner sunk off Ireland coast
1,198 lost, 128 Americans
Liner supposedly carried “ammunition”
American’s outraged
Public opinion turned against Central Powers

9. Sussex Pledge Germany promised to warn ship crews before attacks
Condition – U.S. had to persuade Britain to lift blockade against food and fertilizers

10. Wilson Reelected U.S. involvement inevitable now
Reelected in 1916
Attempted to mediate WWI diplomatically
Germany refused
Submarine warfare resumed
Affected hostile AND neutral boats
U.S. involvement inevitable now
Waiting for “overt acts”
Russian Revolution draws U.S. closer

11. Zimmerman Note
Telegram sent from German foreign minister to ambassador in Mexico
Intercepted by British agents
Alliance between Germany and Mexico
If war broke out…
Help Mexico get back “lost territories”
Threat of enemy bordering U.S.