The First World War Unit 2 World War

~ The First World War Unit 2: World War I Begins

Long Term Causes of WWI w Nationalism – National interests and unity should be placed ahead of global cooperation. – France and Germany wanted European leadership. – Russia and Austria-Hungary rivaled over Serbia. – Poland wanted independence from Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Russia. – The Czechs wanted independence from A/H.

Long Term Causes, cont. w Imperialism – Competition for colonies which supplied raw materials and prestige. w Militarism – the development of armed forces and their use as a tool of diplomacy. w Alliance system – the nations of Europe signed treaties of assistance that committed them to support one another.

Alliances w The Triple Entente (aka the Allies): France, GB, and Russia w The Triple Alliance: Germany, A/H, Italy w Central Powers: Germany, A/H, Ottoman Empire

The “Spark” w On June 28, 1914, Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the A/H throne, and his wife were assassinated by a Serb. w Dominoes: A/H declares war on Serbia. Russia joins to aid Serbia. Germany aids A/H by declaring war on Russia and Russia’s ally, France. GB linked by treaty to France declares war on Germany and A/H. w History Channel

The First Two Years w Germany invades Belgium on 8/14/1914 using Schlieffen Plan w By spring of 1915, two trenches across France: German soldiers in one; Allied soldiers in the other.

Trench Warfare w “No man’s land” – the area between the trenches. w Between July 1 and mid November, 1916, total casualties: 1. 2 million British, German, and French soldiers. w This type of fighting lasted three years and resulted in a stalemate.

Trench Warfare

Trench Warfare Over Thereaudio for Ringer#6

American Neutrality w 3, 000 miles away. w War did not threaten U. S. lives or property. w As war continued many sympathized with Allies – Germany’s brutal tactics – Economic ties to Allies

The U. S. Enters the War w U. S. was sending millions in supplies to Allies. w Two reasons for joining: – Ensure repayment of Allies’ war debts – Prevent Germans from threatening U. S. shipping. w British Blockade – 750, 000 Germans starve. w German U-Boat response – Sinking of the Lusitania (128 Americans died).

The Sinking of the Lusitania

The U. S. Enters the War, cont. w Wilson continues w Zimmermann note to refuse military w U. S. declares war response. in April, 1917 w The Election of 1916 – Wilson reelected w Germany vows to sink all British ships.

U. S. Enters the War

The Lost Battalion