What led to the outbreak of World War

What led to the outbreak of World War I? (1914 -1918) The MAIN causes of World War I: Militarism- building up one’s military Alliances- a pact between two or more parties, made in order to advance common goals and to secure common interests. Imperialism- a policy or practice by which a country increases its power by gaining control over other areas of the world. Nationalism- pride in one’s country https: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=2 mjqi-Qy. O 1 E

The Spark: The Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, June 1914 • Assassinated by Gavrilo Princep, a Serbian Nationalist. • Sparked a chain reaction of events that had disastrous consequences.

Central • Austria-Hungary • Germany • Italy (Triple Alliance) • Ottoman Empire • Bulgaria (shut down Russia’s use of transportation in the Black sea & Mediterranean) vs. Allied • • Serbia Russia France Belgium Great Britain Japan Greece United States In addition to these nations, all of the colonies that belonged to the above nations also participated in WWI.

U. S Declaration of War Why not until 1917? • America was isolationist. “Why should I get involved in someone else’s problems? ” • The Monroe Doctrine (1823) sought to isolate “the American continents” from European influences and problems. The U. S was involved before 1917, economically, through trade with both the Allied and Central Powers. In this cartoon, “The Great Wall” (1914), the Monroe Doctrine is shown as a protective shield for the United States.

Submarine Warfare o. The Germans warned Americans their merchant ships, crossing the Atlantic, might be hit. o. Reaches a crisis point after Lusitania is torpedoed by a German U-Boat in 1915— 128 Americans died. o. After sinking of British and French liners, Germans promised they would not sink unarmed ships without warning (restricted submarine warfare)

The Zimmerman Telegram (1917) • Sent by German foreign secretary Arthur Zimmerman to Mexico • Was intercepted and decoded by British • Telegram stated Germany would again begin unrestricted submarine warfare • Even worse, telegram proposed alliance between Germany and Mexico ◦ Germany promised it would help Mexico get land back

America Enters the War Ø 1917—Germany announced unrestricted submarine warfare (would not warn before torpedoing ships crossing the Atlantic) ØBritain turns over Zimmerman Telegram to U. S in 1917. Ø“Overt” acts—German U-boats sank four unarmed American merchant vessels in two weeks. ØWoodrow Wilson (U. S President) cast war in moral terms— “making the world safe for democracy” April 6, 1917: U. S declares war because of these German actions. https: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=DHn 1 Egt 6 Xdg

U. S. Mobilizes for War § America was not ready for war – only 200, 000 men were in service when war was declared §Selective Service Act is passed in Congressmen between 21 and 30 can be drafted ØBy the end of 1918, 24 million had signed up and almost 3 million were called to duty. Ø About 2 million American troops reached Europe. https: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=66 -p. Y 98 Ltfk https: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=ZCwl. FHJ 4 l. Jk

U. S Troops Arrive in France Ø After 2 ½ years of fighting, the Allied forces were exhausted. Ø One of the main contributions of the Americans was fresh and enthusiastic troops. Ø American infantry were nicknamed “doughboys” because of their white belts. Ø Most doughboys had never ventured far from the farms or small towns they lived in. https: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=e. Euo. Al 1 el. LU

The War Ends Ø In 1917, as the U. S was entering the war, Russia was leaving (revolution at home) Ø By May, the Germans were within 50 miles of Paris Ø On November 3, 1918, Germany’s partner, Austria. Hungary, surrendered to the Allies Ø That same day, German sailors mutinied against their government Ø The Americans arrived and immediately played a major role in Ø Other revolts followed, and pushing the Germans back Germany was too exhausted to In July and August the Americans continue helped the Allies win two Ø So at the eleventh hour, on the significant battles eleventh day, of the eleventh month of 1918, Germany signed a truce ending the Great War