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The First World War 1914-1918 Virginia & United States History Causes of the War Historians have traditionally cited four longterm causes of the First World War MILITARISM – The growth of nationalism and imperialism led to increased military spending ALLIANCE SYSTEM – By 1907 Europe was divided into two armed camps IMPERIALISM – Economic and political control over weaker nations NATIONALISM – a devotion to the interests and culture of one’s nation Nationalism Often nationalism led to rivalries and conflicts between nations. Additionally, various ethnic groups resented domination by others and wanted independence. Finally, Russia and AustriaHungary disagreed over the treatment of Serbs in central Europe. Germany was allied with AustriaHungary while Russia, France and Britain were partners Imperialism For many centuries, European nations built empires. Colonies supplied raw materials and provided markets for manufactured goods. As Germany industrialized, she competed with other nations and colonies made her more competitive. Militarism Empires had to be defended and European nations increased military spending enormously in the late 19th and early 20th century. By 1890 the strongest nation militarily in Europe was Germany Germany had a strong army and built up a navy to rival England’s fleet. France, Italy, Japan and the United States quickly joined in the naval buildup. Battleships were being stockpiled by European nations, Japan, and America in the late 19th and early 20th century Alliance System TRIPLE ENTENTE FRANCE BRITAIN RUSSIA By 1907 there were two major defense alliances in Europe The Triple Entente, later known as the Allies, consisted of France, Britain, and Russia The Triple Alliance, later known as the Central Powers, consisted of Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy (Soon joined by the Ottoman Empire The Spark: An Assassination Finally, in June of 1914, Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the Austrian throne was gunned down by a Serbia radical igniting a diplomatic crisis. This act would lead to war between Germany and Austria-Hungary and Britain, France, and Russia Remaining Neutral For the first 3 years of the war, the United States was able to stay neutral. During the war, Germany began to violate submarine warfare rules of engagement – this angered the US In 1915, the German U-boats fired on the British Lusitania – killing 128 Americans US makes Germany agree to warn ships before firing on them, known as the Sussex Pledge The Zimmerman Telegram Following the Sussex Pledge, British intelligence intercepted a telegram between Germany & Mexico In the telegram, Germany promised Mexico it would reward them with American land in the Southwest if they would declare war on the US Preparing for War During the time of the Zimmerman telegram, the Allied forces were suffering great casualties The US wanted to “make the world safe for democracy”, which would mean fighting against the Germans In March of 1917, Germany sank 3 US ships – and finally the US was ready for war The US at War At first, the US sent mostly supplies to Allied Forces. It was soon realized, however, that a large army would be needed. The draft was reinstated, giving America the number of men it needed for the War With the US’s army and war materials, the Allies were able to win the war Wilson Fights for Peace As the war was wrapping up, Wilson was trying to create a plan that would maintain peace in the future. Wilson’s plan was called the “Fourteen points” and included: No secret treaties Freedom of the Seas More free trade Reduction of arms Less colonialism A League of Nations to promote peace through collective security. Wilson’s 14 points in his own short hand League of Nations The League of Nations would be an organization in which the nations of the world would join together to ensure security & peace for all its members. This league pledged to support one another in the case that a member country was attacked US Congress was fearful that this agreement could be used to drag the United States into war. They also disagreed with the idea of decisions regarding the United States being made by an international organization. Because of these concerns, Congress rejected our entrance into this group Treaty of Versailles The Treaty of Versailles ended World War I, requiring the following actions: Germany would have to admit guilt in causing the war Germany would have to supply reparations, or payments to cover the cost of the war Germany’s army and navy would be significantly reduced National boundaries would be redrawn, returning land to some nations and creating several new nations