World War I

1. World War I “A war to end all wars” and “make the world safe for democracy”

2. The Short Summary • When Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia after Archduke Ferdinand was shot in Bosnia, alliances between European countries drew much of Europe into the conflict. • The United States entered the war when Germany began taking actions which put the rights and safety of Americans at risk.

3. Nationalism • Intense forms of nationalism, or devotion to one’s country, put countries against each other and raised old rivalries and hatreds • It also created issues for minorities • Also created competition between nations for resources and economic wealth • Contributed to the need for empire building

4. Militarism • Many countries began beefing up their military as they prepared for a great war—many believed it was only a matter of time • Britain began building up its Navy as did others (including the United States—thanks Mahan!) • They also began developing military technology, including weapons like mobile artillery, submarines and advanced airplanes and tanks

5. Alliances • Many nations begin to side with others in the event of a war • Triple Alliance- Germany, Austria-Hungary and Italy • Triple Entente- France, Great Britain and Russia • If any country in the alliance goes to war, the others would come too

6. Who was Franz Ferdinand? • The heir to the Austria-Hungary throne, Archduke Franz Ferdinand, and his wife were murdered in Sarajevo, Bosnia • There were people who believed the Bosnia should belong to Serbia and they believed Ferdinand to be a tyrant • When his assassination was made public it caused a worldwide conflict because of all the alliances

7. Chain Reaction • Kaiser Wilhelm II (of Germany) was going to stand behind Austria-Hungary and Russia prepared to go to war on behalf of her ally, Serbia • These alliances drag many more countries into the war

8. Wilson doesn’t want any part of it • Because of America’s “melting pot” status, Wilson thought entry would pit many Americans against each other as they took the side of their former countries • As a neutral nation, the U.S. could trade with either side • He tried to maintain the traditional isolationist view of America from European conflicts • What president urged us to stay out of foreign affairs?

9. Britain uses a blockade • They use their navy to make sure Germany can’t get essential goods • Usually noncontraband items like food and medical supplies could not be confiscated, but Britain began to redefine what was contraband until it basically included everything

10. U-boats • Germany uses U-boats to enforce its blockade • British passenger liner Lusitania was sunk—there were over 100 Americans on board • Germany promised not to sink anymore passenger ships—until they sank the Sussex

11. Unrestricted Submarine Warfare • Germany’s unrestricted submarine warfare was a policy in which they would sink all ships in the war zone, including America's neutral ships, without warning.

12. Time for War • The Zimmerman note in January 19, 1917 was a message from German Foreign Minister Arthur Zimmermann to the Ambassador of Mexico. Germany proposed an alliance with Mexico to the Central powers. In return for its assistance, Mexico would gain all land lost to the US during the Mexican War. • The telegram was intercepted and decoded. Wilson received the note on February 24, 1917. • The publications of the Zimmerman note on March 1, 1917 to the public hiked up support for the US to enter the war. On April 6, 1917, Congress passed President Woodrow Wilson’s declaration of war