Causes of World War I and United States Entry

1. World War I

2. Woodrow Wilson’s Diplomacy • Wilson was a diehard opponent of imperialism • Despite this, Wilson constantly interfered in political matters in the Caribbean and Mexico, trying to set up stable diplomatic governments in former colonial possessions

3. Question! • What was President Wilson’s stance on imperialism, and what evidence supports his stance?

4. Setting the Stage • In the early 20th century Europe was a jigsaw puzzle of alliances • Germany’s emergence as a country in 1871 led to increased tension in European politics • Germany allied with Austria-Hungry and Italy in the Triple Alliance

5. Setting the Stage • In response to the Triple Alliance Russia became nervous and allied with France in the Franco-Russian Alliance of 1894 • By the early 1900’s Britain had joined this group which became the Triple Entente

6. Question! • What were the issues causing the formation of alliances due to tension prior to World War?

7. Militarism • As alliances became more entangled countries placed more emphasis on their military • Armies became swelled to enormous sizes for peace time • Countries began glorifying the size and scope of their military

8. Question! • How did alliances have an impact on countries making their military a high priority?

9. Nationalism • Nationalism is an intense feeling of pride in one’s native land • This entails a country’s interests being placed above others as its people view their country as somehow better

10. The Powder Keg of the Balkans • Nationalism led to an intense situation in the Balkans, a region traditionally controlled by the Ottoman Empire • Nationalism pushed these countries (Serbia, Bosnia, and others) towards independence • Russia supported the Serbs, while Austria Hungry tried to limit Serbian expansion

11. Question! • How could a feeling of nationalism make an individual react toward other countries? • What areas of Europe were affected by a strong feeling of nationalism?

12. The War Begins • Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to Austria-Hungry visited the Bosnian capital of Sarajevo in 1914 • While he rode through the city members of a nationalist group known as the “Black Hand” assassinated him

13. Alliances turn to War • Austria was furious over Ferdinand’s death and declared war on Serbia • Russia, backed by France, prepared for war against Austria, who was backed by Germany • Within a month all of Europe was at war

14. Question! • What event caused the “powder keg” to explode? What group was responsible for this action?

15. American Neutrality • As World War I began the official American stance was one of neutrality • Despite this Americans began taking sides, normally along ancestral lines • Despite Pres. Wilson’s stance of neutrality his cabinet heavily favored the British

16. Business vs. Neutrality • Businesses of the day were angered by the neutrality stance • Most businesses had strong ties to the Allied countries and continued to trade with them despite the neutrality order • Most businesses stood to lose money if the Allies lost the War

17. America Moves to War • The British had used their superior navy to blockade most of Western Europe • This was aimed at keeping goods from entering Germany • Germany began using submarines called U-Boats to attack ships and break the bloackade

18. Question! • In what ways was the United States connected to the Allied powers before joining them?

19. The Lusitania • In February 1915 Germany announced “unrestricted submarine warfare” meaning they would sink any ship in British waters without warning • The passenger liner Lusitania was sunk on May 7 killing over 1,200 passengers, including 128 Americans

20. Question! • What was the link between the United States and the sinking of the Lusitania? • What did the Germans mean by “unrestricted submarine warfare”?

21. Sussex Pledge • Many Americans wanted war after the sinking of the Lusitania • When Germany sank the French liner Sussex in 1916 Wilson issued an ultimatum to Germany to stop unrestricted submarine warfare or risk war • Germany agreed and signed the Sussex Pledge

22. The Zimmermann Telegram • In January of 1917 Germany sent a telegram to Mexico suggesting that the two countries ally in case of War with the U.S. • Mexico would get its “lost territory” of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona • Americans were furious when the telegram was intercepted and demanded War

23. Question! • How did the Zimmermann Telegram further push the United States to the brink of war?

24. The U.S. Declares War • The Zimmerman incident pushed America dangerously close to War • On February 1, 1917 Germany resumed unrestricted submarine warfare • The sinking of six American merchant ships was the last straw • On April 2, 1917 the U.S. declared War on Germany

25. Question! • What was the “last straw” pushing the United States into World War I? • What was the war declaration date?