WORLD WAR I Road to War European countries

WORLD WAR I

Road to War European countries had been fighting one another for centuries over land power. By early 1900’s, they had separated into two major alliances to protect one another in case of a military attack

Causes of War: ALLIANCES formed to create a balance of power ALLIES Great Britain CENTRAL POWERS Germany France Austria - Hungary Russia Italy

Causes of War Nationalism Imperialism Militarism Belief that a specific nation, language, or culture is superior to all others. Practice of extending a nation’s power and dominion by acquiring other territories and areas Policy of aggressive military buildup to keep up with militaries of other countries in case war arrives.

The Spark of the War Austria-Hungary annexed the independent province of Bosnia and Herzegovina (Imperialism) Slavic nationalist angry over this annexation because they wanted that region allied with Serbian nationalist assassinated the Austria-Hungary Archduke Franz Ferdinand his wife July 28, 1914 – Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia. Other nations in Europe joined war due to their alliance promises

TRENCH WARFARE Armies fought from the protection of deep ditches to defend their positions. Two massive systems of opposing trenches stretched for 400 miles across the western front. Trenches ranged from simple holes to complex networks with rooms for sleeping and eating. Trenches were cold, wet, and dirty which lead to diseases spreading rapidly Soldiers set up groups of machine guns that fired 400 – 600 rounds of ammunition per minute. Huge guns launched artillery shells containing things such as poison gas which destroyed the other soldiers lungs, killing them slowly

NEW WAR MACHINES AIRPLANES SUBMARINES • Gather information • Also called U – boats • Shoot down enemy planes • • Fire on trenches Germany’s fleet of submarines was the world’s largest and most advanced, causing heavy loses to Allied shipping TANKS Developed by British and French forces • Supported infantry attacks on trenches. • Caple of causing heavy damage. •

The United States Remains Neutral For the majority of the war, the United States claimed neutrality, selling goods to both sides. The majority of American exports, however, went to the British and the French, eventually prompting the Germans to target American shipping vessels crossing the Atlantic. It is estimated that by 1918 the US had loaned Allied powers more than 2, 500 million dollars while loaning the central powers 27 million dollars.

US Declares War Germany often broke the rules of neutrality in the Atlantic such as warships being required to stop and search merchant ships rather than simply destroy them on sight. Due to attacks on passenger ships, President Wilson threatened to end diplomatic relations with Germany. US ended diplomatic relations with Germany on February 1, 1917 and fitted their merchant ships with guns. In the telegram known as the Zimmerman Note, Germany offered to help Mexico “reconquer the lost territory in New Mexico, Texas, and Arizona. ” On April 16, 1917, US declared war on Germany.

America Prepares for War Committee on Public Information (CPI) formed by President Wilson to hekp raise public support for the war effort Publicity included rallies, parades, posters, and pamphlets Movie stars were recruited to entertain the troops Approximately 75, 000 speakers called “four minute men” gave short patriotic speeches in churches, theaters, and schools explaining why the US should participate in the Great War. Government did limit freedoms of the citizens: 1. Espionage Act of 1917 – punished people for aiding the enemy or refusing military duty. 2. Sedition Act of 1918 – made it illegal for Americans to speak disloyally about the US government, Constitution, or the flag.

The US recognized a need for more men to serve in the military; therefore, Congress passed the Selective Service Act that required men between the ages of 21 – 30 to register to be drafted in the armed forces. African American soldiers were limited to non-combat roles until the NAACP protested. In response the military formed some African American combat units and an officer-training camp for African Americans. US officials worried that conflict might erupt if white and black soldiers fought together in the US Army

Women in Wartime About 25, 000 females volunteered working asd interpreters, nurses, and typists. The “Hello Girls” of the US Army Signal Corps handled military telephone service, including translating calls and sending battle orders. Other women volunteered for the Red Cross. Women also filled industrial jobs that men who were in battle had previously occupied

Effect on the Economy Congress raised income taxes and started a tax on business profits War Industries Board (WIB) created to oversee the production and distribution of goods made by the country’s war industries. Steel, copper, cement, rubber, or other basic materials could be used without the WIB approval Due to a shortage in labor, workers took advantage and demanded higher wages and better working conditions. National War Labor Board created by President Wilson worked to settle labor disputes and prevent strikes. National War Labor Board outlined both minimum-wage and maximum hour standards in the workplace.

AMERICANS IN BATTLE When US forces first arrived, the Allies were struggling. Germany was pushing forward on all fronts. Allies suffered a major blow when the Communist took over Russia and they withdrew from fighting on the Allies side. US forces joined forces with the French to stop Germans from advancing toward Paris. The Allies then continue to push back on all fronts Final battles of the war in proper sequence: Somme River, Chateau-Thierry, Belleau Wood, Second Battle of the Marne, Saint Mihiel. Due to critical defeats, deserting soldiers, food shortages, riots, strikes, and the surrender of other Central Powers, Germany signed the armistice (truce) on November 11, 1918 officially ending the war.

ESTABLISHING PEACE The economies of the countries of Europe were ruined. In 1920, the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace declared that the total cost of the war had exceeded $330 billion President Wilson proposed a plan called the “Fourteen Points” of basic ideals. The League of Nations was formed to act as a congress of nations to settle international disputes and maintain peace and collective security

Wilson’s Fourteen Points Summary No more secret agreements between countries. Diplomacy shall be open to the world. International seas shall be free to navigate during peace and war. There shall be free trade between the countries who accept the peace. There shall be a worldwide reduction in weapons and armies by all countries. Colonial claims over land regions will be fair. Russia will be allowed to determine its own form of government. All German troops will leave Russian soil. German troops will evacuate Belgium and Belgium will be an independent country. France will regain all territory including the disputed land of Alsace-Lorraine. The borders of Italy will be established such that all Italians will be within the country of Italy. Austria-Hungary will be allowed to continue to be an independent country. The Central Powers will evacuate Serbia, Montenegro, and Romania leaving them as independent countries. The Turkish people of the Ottoman Empire will have their own country. Other nationalities under the Ottoman rule will also have security. Poland shall be an independent country. A League of Nations will be formed that protects the independence of all countries no matter how big or small.

Paris Peace Conference The Allied Nations met in Paris at the Paris Peace Conference in 1919 to decide the fate of Germany and the Central Powers. Although a number of nations took part in the negotiations, the major decisions and discussions were between the leaders of the "Big Four" nations which included Georges Clemenceau (Prime Minister of France), David Lloyd George (Prime Minister of Great Britain), Woodrow Wilson (President of the United States), and Vittorio Orlando (Prime Minister of Italy). Each of the four nations had different opinions on how Germany should be treated. President Woodrow Wilson felt that the best solution was to incorporate his Fourteen Points. He thought that Germany should not be blamed for the war or punished too harshly. However, French Prime Minister Georges Clemenceau felt that Germany was responsible for the war and should take the blame and be forced to pay large reparations.

Treaty of Versailles Germany surrendered and agreed to sign a ceasefire agreement, or armistice, known as the Treaty of Versailles. The Treaty punished the Germans by stripping them of territory, dismantling their military, and forcing them to repay the costs of the war.