World War IWorld War I

The Beginnings of World War I in Europe

Introduction

Neutrality

The US didn’t want to get entangled in European affairs that would lead to World War I

The war began in 1914 when Germany and Austria-Hungary went to war with Britain, France, and Russia.

Alliances

At the outbreak, President Woodrow Wilson immediately declared the United States neutral.

Roots of War

Problems staying neutral

It was difficult because of the close relations with Britain, the leader of the Allied powers

The war was interfering with American commerce.

European Conflict

The LusitaniaGermany continued using U-boats

(submarines) to attack ships

In 1915, a U-boat sank the Lusitania, killing 1,200 civilian passengers.

The press publicized the event, greatly influencing public opinion against Germany.

Wilson’s Reelection

In 1916, Wilson ran for reelection.His slogan was “He kept us out of

war.”He asked Congress to keep the

military in a state of preparation – just in case…”Make the world safe for democracy.”

Zimmerman Telegram In early 1917 the British intercepted

the Zimmerman telegram from the German government to their Mexican ambassador.

A German plan to keep the US out of the war by urging Mexico and Japan to declare war against America.

The press printed the telegram and public opinion changed to war.

America enters the war

Less than a month after the Zimmerman telegram incident, the US entered the war.

America’s military resources of soldiers and war materials tipped the scales in favor on the Allied nations.

This led to the German defeat.

Wilson’s Fourteen Points

This was President Wilson’s plan to eliminate the causes of war

Key Ideas of the Fourteen Points

Self-determinationFreedom of the seasLeague of Nations

Treaty of Versailles

Ended World War IThe French and English insisted on

harsh punishment of GermanyCreated the League of NationsNational boundaries were redrawn,

creating many new nations

League of Nations Debate

The US Senate refused to approve the Treaty of Versailles.

Therefore, did not join the League of Nations

US foreign policy decisions would have been made by an international organization.