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Directions: READ the Textbook pgs. 686-696 and the information provided in this packet.
Causes of World War I (pre-1914)
1. What was the immediate “spark” that caused the beginning of World War I in Europe?
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2. What is meant when the Balkan
Peninsula is described as a “powder
keg“ leading up to WWI?
3. The United States practiced a foreign
policy of NEUTRALITY when it came to
European problems. Why?
4. Explain how the nations of Europe
divided themselves into two “teams.”
The Sinking of the LUSITANIA
Historical Context:
By early 1915 a new threat began to materialize: submarines.
At first they were used by the Germans only to attack naval vessels,
and they achieved only occasional – but sometimes spectacular –
successes. Then the U-boats began to attack merchant vessels at times,
although almost always in accordance with the old cruiser rules.
Desperate to gain an advantage on the Atlantic, the German
government decided to step up their submarine campaign. On 4
February 1915 Germany declared the seas around the British Isles a
war zone: from 18 February allied ships in the area would be sunk
without warning. This was not wholly unrestricted submarine
warfare since efforts would be taken to avoid sinking neutral ships.
The Lusitania made her maiden voyage from Liverpool to
New York in September 1907. Construction had begun in 1903 with
the goal of building the fastest liner afloat. Her engines produced
68,000-horse power and pushed the giant through the water at an
average speed over 25 knots. Dubbed the "Greyhound of the Seas" she
soon captured the title for the fastest Atlantic crossing.
The British Admiralty had secretly subsidized her
construction and she was built to Admiralty specifications with the
understanding that at the outbreak of war the ship would be
consigned to government service. As war clouds gathered in 1913, the
Lusitania quietly entered dry dock in Liverpool and was fitted for war
service. This included the installation of ammunition magazines and
gun mounts on her decks. The mounts, concealed under the teak deck,
were ready for the addition of the guns when needed.
On May 1, 1915, the ship departed New York City bound for Liverpool. Unknown to her passengers but
probably no secret to the Germans, almost all her hidden cargo consisted of munitions and contraband destined for
the British war effort. As the fastest ship afloat, the luxurious liner felt secure in the belief she could easily
outdistance any submarine. Nonetheless, the menace of submarine attack reduced her passenger list to only half
her capacity.
On May 7, 1915, the ship neared the coast of Ireland. At 2:10 in the afternoon a torpedo fired by the
German submarine U 20 slammed into her side. A mysterious second explosion ripped the liner apart. Chaos
reigned. The ship listed so badly and quickly that lifeboats crashed into passengers crowded on deck, or dumped
their loads into the water. Most passengers never had a chance. Within 18 minutes the giant ship slipped beneath
the sea. One thousand one hundred nineteen of the 1,924 aboard died. The dead included 128 Americans.
The sinking enraged American public opinion. The political fallout was immediate. President Wilson
protested strongly to the Germans. Secretary of State William Jennings Bryan, a pacifist, resigned. In September, the
Germans announced that passenger ships would be sunk only with prior warning and appropriate safeguards for
passengers. However, the seeds of American animosity towards Germany were sown. Within two years America
declared war.
Terms to Define: (In your own words based on the context of the reading above)
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U-boat –
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Pacifist –
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Animosity –
Aim – How did Germany’s use of submarine warfare affect American neutrality?
Name ____________________________________________
Teacher ______________
Day #2
Sinking of the Lusitania
(May 7th 1915)
Comprehension Questions:
1. What was the cause of the sinking of the ship, LUSITANIA?
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2. According to the Newspaper, what country is responsible for causing this tragedy?
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3. Why was the United States so concerned about the sinking of this British ship?
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Aim – Why did the United States move towards war in 1917?
Day#3
Historical Context:
The vast majority of Americans wished to avoid the conflict in Europe. At first, the Telegram was widely
believed to be a forgery perpetrated by British intelligence. This belief, which was not restricted to pacifists and
pro-German supporters, was promoted by German and Mexican diplomats, and by some American papers,
especially the Hearst press empire. Arthur Zimmermann himself, however, removed those doubts. First on
March 3, 1917, he said, "I cannot deny it. It is true." Then on March 29, 1917, Zimmermann gave a speech in
which he admitted the telegram was genuine.
On February 1, Germany had resumed "unrestricted" submarine warfare, which caused many civilian deaths,
including American passengers on British ships. This caused widespread anti-German sentiment. The
Telegram greatly increased this feeling. Besides the highly provocative anti-U.S. proposal to Mexico, the
Telegram also mentioned "ruthless employment of our submarines." It was perceived as especially offensive
that the coded Telegram had been transmitted via the U.S. embassy in Berlin and the U.S.-operated cable from
Denmark.
Terms to Define: (In your own words based on the context of the reading above)
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Unrestricted –
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Neutral –
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Proposal –

Alliance –
Aim – Why did the United States move towards war?
Name ___________________________________________________________
Teacher ______________
Day#3
Zimmerman Telegram
(Intercepted by England - January 16, 1917)
Comprehension Questions:
1. According to this telegram, what were Germany’s intentions towards the United States?
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2. In the event of the outbreak of war between the U.S. and Germany, what is Germany proposing?
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3. If Mexico agrees, what do they receive in return?
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4. How does the de-coding of this message bring America closer to involvement in World War I on
the Allied side?
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