WWI NOTES
Causes of WWI [M.A.I.N]
Militarism - militaries began to grow
Alliances - when a country went to war all of the allies got
involved
Imperialism - countries competed for territories
Nationalism - extreme pride and loyalty towards your country
Immediate Cause of WWI
Austria Hungary and Serbia both wanted the same territory
Austria Hungary’s Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated
Austria-Hungary and Serbia went to war and dragged in their allies
This causes a WORLD WAR.
Major Powers of WWI
Allied Powers
- Serbia
- France
- United Kingdom
- Russia - heavy losses contributed to the
communist revolution in 1917.
- Italy
Central Powers
- Austria-Hungary
- Germany
- Ottoman Empire
Germany and Austria Hungary were at a disadvantage because they had to fight on two fronts.
Description of WWI
Trench warfare made it difficult for either side to win. This caused a
stalemate.
Shell shock, or PTSD, was a common side effect of this type of
warfare.
America stayed neutral for most of the war (isolationism), but
supported the allies by giving them supplies.
Germany did not like that America was
giving supplies to the allies. German Uboats (submarines) began to destroy
supply boats without warning. This is
called unrestricted submarine warfare.
The Lusitania was a ship carrying
passengers, but also had a secret stash of
supplies for the war.
A German U-boat sank this ship and killed many Americans.
Reasons for America getting involved [L.U.D.Z.]
Loans - America sent money/loans to countries. America had to
make sure they would survive the war in order to pay the loans.
U-boats - German U-boats kept on destroying boats without
warning (unrestricted submarine warfare). For example,
destroying the Lusitania.
Democracy - The United States wanted to fight for democracy.
Zimmerman Telegraph - Germany sends a message to Mexico
asking them to attack the United States. The U.S. finds out about
this secret message.
How did people help the war effort?
Buy bonds - to give the government money to fight the war. The
government promised to pay back the money and give you
interest (extra money).
Victory gardens - grow your own food so more food can be
given to soldiers.
Rationing - people would eat less meat and other food so more
food can be given to soldiers.
Effect of the US joining the war
The United States joining the war marked a turning point. The
allies began to win the war.
An armistice, or agreement to end the fighting, was made.
President Woodrow Wilson introduced his 14 points which
suggested the creation of the international peace keeping
organization called the League of Nations and he promoted
democracy and freedom for all countries.
Treaty of Versailles
The Treaty of Versailles officially ended the war and punished
Germany severely.
The Treaty of Versailles required:
- The creation of an international peace keeping organization
called the League of Nations
- Germany to pay massive reparations, or money to pay for
damages caused by the war
- Gemany to give up its territories
- Germany to reduce its military
Consequences of Treaty of Versailles
Most historians agree that the harsh terms of the Treaty of Versailles
led to the rise of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party.
Hitler promised to restore Germany’s former pride and greatness.
Many Germans believed in his message and supported his rise to
power.