1. 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”?

2. Modern Examples Ukraine Syria
U.S. government involvement to avoid serious consequences
Syria
Persuade international community

3. The First World War

4. Causes of World War 1
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

5. 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

6. 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…

7. Fighting Begins Trench Warfare

8. 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

9. 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

10. Lusitania German U-boats attack the Lusitania
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”

11. 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.

12. 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