World War I

Causes of World War I Nationalism

A devotion to the interests and culture one’s nation. Imperialism

Strong countries extending economic and political control over smaller countries

Militarism Development of armed forces and their use as a tool of

diplomacy.

You-tube Clips: Imperialism and Nationalism

The Collapse of European

Peace

The Collapse The Triple Entente

Great Britain, France, and Russia The Triple Alliance

Germany, Austro-Hungarian Empire, and Italy. Rivalry:

Between Germany and Great Britain. Germany striving to become world power. Britain- already was one.

Not the immediate cause of war. Conflict involving nationalists movements within the Austro-

Hungarian Empire.

June 28, 1914 Archduke Franz Ferdinand Assassinated while visiting Bosnia Bosnia was a province of Slavic Nationalists

They wished to annex to neighboring Serbia. The assassin of Archduke was a Serbian Nationalists. Germany, Austria-Hungary launched an assault on Serbia. Serbia calls Russia to help. August 3- Germany declared war on both Russia and France.

Did invade Belgium August 4- Great Britain declared war on Germany. SHOW YOU-TUBE CLIP OF ASSASSINATION

Italy They remain neutral

Later will emerge on the side of British and French. Ottoman Empire

Other smaller nations all joined the fighting later in 1914 or1915 Virtually every European continent and part of Asia were

embroiled in a major war.

Wilson’s Neutrality Called on his citizens to remain impartial. Many Americans wanted to side with Great Britain. Economic Realities

U.S to deal with others on equal terms. Britain imposed naval blockade on Germany.

To prevent munitions and supplies from reaching the enemy.

Wilson’s Neutrality U.S

Received huge war orders One from Britain and France to produce economic boom. 1915

Went from neutral power into the arsenal of the Allies.

Early 1915 Germany used submarine to disrupt flow of supplies to England.

May 7, 1915 Lusitania- British submarine. Germany sunk it without warning.

Killed 1,198- 128 American Ship was carrying passengers and munitions.

An act of piracy against Americans Told Germany to stop sinking nonmilitary ships. 1916- U.S began arming merchant ships. Germany vowed to sink them.

Moving Towards War Wilson

Wanting to remain Neutral! Tensions with U.S and Germany rose

Wilson began to change his mind.

1915 Wilson approved a proposal by military leaders.

Rapidly increase the nations armed forces. Got the President gig for his slogan:

“He kept us out of war” Hughes would lead them to war.

Wilson won the election by only 23 electoral votes.

U.S Enters the WarBeing Re-elected Wilson gave a speech.

Congress Outline a plan for constructing a new world order after the

war in which the U.S would help maintain peace throughout a permanent league of nations.

Feb 25, 1917 Britain gave Wilson a telegram

Intercepted from the German foreign ministerArthur Zimmerman

To the government of Mexico

Proposed EventWith a war between U.S and Germany

Mexico would join with Germany against Americans.

Return: Mexico would regain their lost provinces

American Goes to War!!!Shortly after this:

Zimmerman notes flamed public opinion.Brought popular sentiment for war.

Germany sank three ships:Wilson asked congress to declare warApril 2, 1917

War was declared on April 6, 1917.

Bolshevik Revolution Britain and France had a few remaining reserves. By 1918

Russia had withdrawn from the war altogether Bolshevik Revolution

Watch YOU-TUBE CLIPS of the murder of the Romanov Family.

After the Bolshevik Revolution New Government led by Vladimir Lenin. He led a hasty and costly peace with the Central Powers. This freed German Troops to fight only on the Western

Front.

The American Expeditionary Force

1917 There were only about 12,000 soldiers in the army 80,000 in the National Guard. Neither had combat experience Few Commanders had small experience as well.

Selective Service Act Brought 3 million men into the army. Another 2 million joined various branches of the

armed services.

Together they formed the American expeditionary force.

The Military Struggle 1918

Troops were under the command of John J. Pershing. Joined the forces of the Allies

Began turning back a series of new German assaults. July 18

Allies halted German advance. German military leaders began to seek an armistice. Pershing

Wanted to drive on into Germany. Allied leaders accepted the German proposal

November 11, 1918 THE WAR WAS OVER!!!

Wilson’s 14 Points Early 1918

Wilson developed a plan to help to govern international conduct in the future.

14 Points to outline his plan: 1. Freedom on the seas 2. Open covenants instead of secret treaties. 3. Reductions in armaments 4. Free Trade 5. Impartial mediation of colonial claims 6. League of Nations

Wilson hoped Europe would adopt this plan. Wilson’s tone: Superiority

Resented him

Wilson’s 14 Points They were also offended by his insistence on keeping

American military forces separate from the Allied armies they were joining.

Biggest Reason: France and Britain did not want to be generous to

Germany. They wanted them to be punished and for their countries

to receive compensation for their losses.

The Paris Peace Conference Principal figures in the negotiations were the Allied nations:

Great Britain: Lloyd George France: Clemenceau Italy: Orlando U.S.A: Wilson

These were known as the BIG FOUR! Wilson unable to win approval of many of the 14 points. BRITAIN, FRANCE, AND ITALY

All demanded reparations from Germany Sum of 56 Billion Far more than what they could afford.

Wilson- One important victory Jan 25, 1919- allies voted to accept the League of Nations.

The Ratification BattleAmerican’s

Used to the nation’s isolationism from Europe.

Questioned new commitment to internationalism.

Treaty of Versailles Wilson presented this plan to the Senate

July 10, 1919 Wilson insisted that Congress accept the treaty without making changes to it. Senate raised objections One slowly read the 300 page document. Held six weeks of public hearings to hear complaints.

Congress would not budge Wilson went to the public Embarked on the Cross-Country Speaking tour. 3 weeks- he traveled 8,000 miles by train. Spoke 4 times a day.

September 25- Pueblo, Colorado Collapsed Rushed back to D.C. Suffered a major stroke

Wilson RecoveryWife of President Wilson

Doctor and Wife formed a barrier around him Shielded him from any official pressures. Prevented the public from receiving any information of

his condition.

Wilson recovered enough to resume a limited schedule.

He was invalid for the remaining months of his presidency.