World War

« World War One (1914 – 1919) “The Great War” Militarism Imperialism (Competing to build bigger and better armies and navies than rivals) (Getting involved politically and economically in other countries in order to gain wealth and power). European nations had submarines, tanks, gasses, machine guns and airplanes that made warfare more deadly. European nations, in need of raw materials, fought for colonies in Asia & Africa. The MAIN Causes of World War One Alliances (to make agreements to support each other in times of war). Groups of nations allied themselves to balance the power of others. Nationalism (the feeling that specific nation, language or culture is superior to all others). Groups ruled by other nations struggle for independence. Pre-War Alliances Triple Alliance Austria-Hungary Germany Italy Triple Entente Britain France Russia 1 The Spark that Started the War The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the throne of Austria-Hungary, by a Serbian nationalist. Why did this start a war? Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia.

Because of an earlier alliance, Russia agreed to defend Serbia.

They mobilized (prepared military) for war.

So… Germany declared war on Russia and France, which led… Britain to declare war on Germany, which led… Austria-Hungary to declare war on Russia! Who’s is on which side now? Central Powers Allied Powers Austria-Hungary Germany Britain France Russia Italy** ** Note: Italy switched sides in 1915! 2 The War in Europe Unlike previous wars, European militarism provided new technologies to help each side, especially: Machine Guns Poisonous Gases Airplanes U-Boats (submarines) They also used new strategies, especially trench warfare: defending a position by fighting from the protection of deep ditches. The area between opposing trenches was called no-man’s-land.

Much of the fighting took place here. 3 What should the US do? Stay Neutral or Go To War? Reasons for Neutrality - Who wants to be at war?! - Many thought the War dealt with European matters, not American ones. - Although most sided with the Allies, many Americans had immigrated from the nations of the Central Powers. - American businesses were making lots of money off of the war, especially selling supplies to the Allies. By the end of 1914, the war had already become a stalemate (neither side could win a decisive victory) So how do we get involved? 1) The Sinking of the Lusitania: German U-boat warfare sinks the Lusitania, a British boat with 128 Americans on board.

Americans become increasingly upset over German submarines sinking non-military ships. 2) The Zimmerman Note: German ambassador to Mexico proposed an alliance between Germany and Mexico against the US.

For their effort, Mexico would receive the lands of New Mexico, Arizona and Texas.

Americans found out about this and become outraged. On April 6, 1917, we declare war on Germany! 4 The United States at Home during the Great War The War Industries Board was created to oversee the production and distribution of goods manufactured by the nation’s war industries (steel, copper, rubber, etc). The Committee of Public Information was formed to increase public support for the war effort.

They attempted to show the importance of the US being in the War. Congress passed the Selective Service Act, which made all males age 21-30 register for a draft.

Numbers were drawn at random for the draft. Liberty Bonds were sold to raise money.... »