2. General Causes of World War I (MAIN)
Militarism: increased arms race and using the military as diplomatic tool
Alliance System: Europe formed two large “armed camps” (Allies and Central Powers)

4. General Causes of World War I (MAIN)
Imperialism: competition for colonies and control of trade
Nationalism: focusing on self-interest of each nation; love for only your country
A British WWI Battleship

5. The Exact Cause of World War I
The assassination of the Austrian prince Franz Ferdinand in 1914 started World War I.
Austria declared war on Serbia.
Within weeks, the European continent was at war!

6. United States Wants to Be NEUTRAL
Most Americans wanted to stay out of the war (be neutral)
Think of the Monroe Doctrine
U.S. avoided involvement for 3 years.
After being reelected in 1916, President Woodrow Wilson vowed to stay neutral

7. United States Joins the Fight in 1917
Germans used unrestricted submarine warfare that attacked American ships
Germans sunk the Lusitania a passenger ship carrying many Americans
Zimmerman Telegram from Germany encouraged Mexico to attack the U.S.
Britain was America’ greatest ally.
German U-boats (above) sank many
ships. The Lusitania (below) was
carrying American passengers when it
was attacked.

8. Allies Central Powers Britain France United States Russia Italy
Germany
Austria-Hungary
Ottoman Empire
Bulgaria

10. More Reasons Why America Joined WWI
Russia left the war under its communist revolution
To make the world “safe for democracy” (Woodrow Wilson)

11. Americans Tipped the Balance of the War
Use of American resources helped the Allies on the front and behind the lines
Infusion of fresh American troops boosted morale
Fighting stopped on November 11, 1918 with an armistice

12. While American entry into World War I ensured Allied victory, THE FAILURE TO CONCLUDE A LASTING PEACE LEFT A BITTER LEGACY.

13. Fourteen Points
Woodrow Wilson’s Plan for a Lasting World Peace after World War I

14. Fourteen Points Included
Self-determination: national boundaries be decided based on people, and they should establish their own governments
Freedom of seas: open trading to all peaceful nations
Mandate System: Colonial policies should consider the interests of the people
League of Nations: organization to provide peaceful means of solving disputes rather than war

15. Meeting at Versailles
After WWI, Britain, France and Italy wanted to punish Germany and Austria
Central Powers and Soviet Union were not invited to attend the conference
Wilson was forced to concede (give up) most of his 14 Points!
In 1919, the Big 4 met in Paris to negotiate the Treaty of Versailles. (left to right) Lloyd George of Britain, Orlando of Italy, Clemenceau of France, and Woodrow Wilson of the U.S.

16. Treaty of Versailles
Many new nations were formed as land was taken from the defeated Central Powers (Poland, Finland, Turkey, many Middle Eastern countries)
Mandates (captured colonies) were given to Allies to rule
Germany had to pay war reparations (debts) ($33 billion)
Germany had to sign a “war guilt clause” taking blame for World War I
The League of Nations was formed

18. America Opposed the Treaty of Versailles
Felt it was too punishing
Objected to foreign policy decisions being made by international organizations (the League of Nations)
Senate refused to ratify the Treaty of Versailles
Senate refused to join the League of Nations!

19. Weaknesses of the Treaty of Versailles
Germany was humiliated and destroyed
Allies had ignored the needs of the new Soviet government
International instability was created in the new nations and mandates
U.S. returned to isolationist policies

20. These failures will lead to global depression and World War II