World War I

US Involvement: 1917-1918

World War I begins…

Militarism - Germany was proud of its new military power and Industrial strength

Alliances – Secret agreements among the European countries

Imperialism - Colonial claims and conflicts Nationalism - France & Germany both had

strong nationalist feelings. France wanted to regain its position as Europe’s leading power

Immediate Cause – SPARK Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand

of Austria-Hungary By Black Hand, a nationalist/terrorist group,

Gavrilo Princip

Alliance Systems Central Powers

Germany Ottoman Empire Austro-Hungarian

Empire

Allies France Great Britain Russia leaves in 1917 US joins in 1917

Russia Withdraws – but why?

Germans help exiled communist leader Lenin get back into Russia.

Czar Nicholas II is overthrown -he abdicates Lenin promises “Peace, Land and Bread” to

the Russian peasants and takes over the government

Lenin signs a treaty with Germany ending involvement in the war

RUSSIAN REVOLUTION!

How does war hit home?

1. US annoyed with British blockade of German coast interrupting our trade -

ECONOMIC hit!

How does war hit home?

2. Sinking of the Lusitania

May 7, 1915 the British liner the Lusitania was sank off the coast of Ireland. 1,198 people were killed. 128 were Americans.

How does war hit home?

3. US starts mobilizing for war

Why does the US enter the war in 1917 on side of British? 1. Zimmerman note

Why does the US enter the war in 1917 on side of British? 2. Four Unarmed merchant ships sunk and 36

killed 3. After Russia withdraws we can say that

this is a war for democracies against monarchs

Wilson believe: “We are making the World safe for Democracy” and This will be the war to end all wars!

Declaration of War

April 2, 1917 Wilson asked Congress to declare war on Germany.

Checks and balances require him to seek Legislative approval.