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.
