Download Notes on WWI

The Causes of World War I
M.A.I.N.
 Militarism – This term refers to a fascination with war and
the military. As nations competed for colonies, they
strengthened their armies and navies. Many countries used
conscription (requires that citizens serve in the military for a
certain period of time; referred to as “the draft” in the
United States). Britain and Germany competed for the
strongest militaries.
 Alliances – Nations began to form alliances, or defense
agreements to help each other if war breaks out. By 1914,
two major alliances had been formed.
 Imperialism – Tensions in Europe grew out of the desire of
nations to enlarge their empires. Much of the world had
already been colonized, so there was much competition among
nations to gain territories to add to their countries
greatness.
 Nationalism, a feeling of intense loyalty to one’s country,
caused much of the tension in Europe. Nationalism is going to
challenge the position of older countries and break apart
others. Some groups of people demanded independent nations
of their own.
The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand sparked
World War I.
In June 1914, a man named Gavrilo Princip shot and
killed Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the throne of
Austria-Hungary. Princip wanted the Bosnian Serbs, who
at the time were ruled by Austria-Hungary, to be ruled
by Serbia. Austria-Hungary blamed Serbia for the death
of the Archduke and declared war on them.
 Russia, ally of Serbia, began mobilization.
 Germany, ally of Austria-Hungary, declared war on
Russia.
WAR BREAKS OUT – 2 GROUPS
THE ALLIES – Great Britain, France, Russia, and Italy
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THE CENTRAL POWERS – Austria-Hungary, Germany, and
the Ottoman Empire.
The Events of World War I
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World War I was also called the Great War.
Most fighting took place on the Western Front (area
between France and Germany).
Trench Warfare was used throughout the entire war. In
trench warfare, soldiers lived in trenches dug in the
ground that were protected by barbed wire. To get to
the enemy, soldiers had to climb out of the trench and
run across open land while the enemy shot at them.
More powerful weapons were developed.
 Machine guns fired bullets rapidly.
 Artillery guns shot over 75 miles in distance.
 Poison gases, tanks, and flamethrowers.
 Submarine warfare and airplanes.
 Total war – civilians became involved, not just soldiers.
Rationing, or system of limiting the amounts of foods
and materials in use, affected civilians. Propaganda, or
biased government-controlled information, shaped what
people thought about the war. The government
controlled what was printed in newspapers.
United States Involvement in the War
Americans supported the Allies because of pro-British feelings
and business links.
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When WWI began, U.S. President Woodrow Wilson declared
the United States neutral. However, Americans were partial
to the Allies. We loaned the Allies money, food, equipment,
and other supplies.
The British imposed a blockade on Germany. (cut off their
supplies)
Germany fought back by using Submarine Warfare. The
world’s first submarines were those used by the Germans,
which they called U-boats. In 1915, the Germans said that
they would sink any ship sailing around Great Britain.
Lusitania was sunk, killing 128 Americans. Americans were
outraged. Germany promises to give warning before sinking a
ship.
The Zimmerman Telegram – telegram between Germany and
Mexico. Stated that Mexico should ally itself with Germany
in case the United States enters the war. Mexico would
receive “lost territory in Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona”
for their help. Britain intercepted the telegram and gave it
to the U.S.
Germany sunk 6 more American ships without warning. The
United States declared war on Germany.
Effects of World War I
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The War Ends – The United States entered the war and gave
the Allied powers hope in winning the war. On November 11,
1918, Germany signed an armistice, or cease-fire, that
ended the war.
The Treaty of Versailles (ended the war)
 Included U.S. president Woodrow Wilson, British prime
minister David Lloyd George, French premier Georges
Clemenceau, and Italian prime minister Vittorio Orlando.
 Wilson presented a plan called the Fourteen Points.
 Stripped Germany of most of its armed forces and
required the Germans to pay reparations, or war
damages, to the Allies.
 Created the “League of Nations” to prevent future wars.
 A number of new nations in Europe and the Middle East
were created following the war.
U.S. does not ratify (approve) the treaty.
 U.S. does not become a member of the League.
Most countries do not respond to the poor conditions they
left Germany in, which allows the rise of dictators.
Using the textbook, Journey Across Time, answer #3 in the
Section 4 Review on p. 796. (creating a diagram to name new
countries created after WWI)