The First World
War
1914-1918
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What were the causes of World War I and
the reasons for the U.S. entering the war?
Causes of WWI (1914-1918)
What were the causes of WWI?
Militarism
When countries compete
for
bigger/better military
Leads to competition and
bad
feelings
Causes of WWI (1914-1918)
What were the causes of WWI?
Nationalism
Pride in one’s
country
Want to defend
their country in
time of war
Think they are
better than others,
may attack other
countries
Germany was allied with AustriaHungary while Russia, France and
Britain were partners
Causes of WWI (1914-1918)
What were the causes of WWI?
 System of alliances
TRIPLE
Two or more countries make
ENTENTE
an agreement to support
Two countries unite to take
over another
When one country starts a war,
FRANCE
BRITAIN
RUSSIA
the others are pulled in
 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)
Causes of WWI (1914-1918)
What were the causes of WWI?
Imperialism
One country controls another
Country taking over thinks
they are superior
Countries taken over
want freedom
The Spark: An Assassination
What sparked the fighting?
 The Balkan region was considered
“the powder keg of Europe” due to
competing interests in the area.
Russia wanted access to the
Mediterranean Sea. Germany wanted
a rail link to the Ottoman Empire.
Austria-Hungary, which had taken
control of Bosnia in 1878, accused
Serbia of subverting its rule over
Bosnia.
 In June of 1914, Archduke Franz
Ferdinand, heir to the Austrian
throne, was gunned down by a Serbia
radical igniting a diplomatic crisis.
The Fighting Begins
What was the Alliance system?
 The Alliance system pulled
one nation after another into
the conflict – The Great War
had begun. On August 3,
1914, Germany invaded
Belgium, following a strategy
known as the Schlieffen Plan.
This plan called for a quick
strike through Belgium to
Paris, France. Next, Germany
would attack Russia
 The plan was designed to
prevent a two-front war for
Germany.
The Schliefflen Plan
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sentences, use two items of historical
proof (highlight) and explain your proof
(underline).
Why did World War I break out in
Europe?
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What were the causes of World War I and
the reasons for the U.S. entering the war?
The War Becomes A Stalemate
What was trench warfare?
 Unable to save Belgium, the Allies
retreated to the Marne River in
France where they halted the
German advance in September of
1914. Both sides dug in for a long
siege. By the spring of 1915, two
parallel systems of deep trenches
crossed France from Belgium to
Switzerland. Between enemy
trenches was “no man’s land” – an
area marked with shell craters and
filled with barbed wire.
British soldiers standing in
mud
The conditions in these trenches were horrific. Aside from the
fear of bombardment, soldiers also had to contend with mud,
flooding, lice, vermin, and disease associated with living in
such an unhealthy environment.
The War Becomes A Stalemate
What was trench warfare?
Gas attacks were common
features of trench life and
often caused blindness and
lung disease
 During the First Battle of the
Somme—which began on July 1,
1916, and lasted until midNovember—the British suffered
an enormous number of
casualties (60,000 on the first
day). Final casualties for this
phase of the war totaled 1.2
million, yet only 7 miles of
ground was gained. This bloody
trench warfare, in which armies
fought for mere yards of ground,
lasted for three years.
Americans Question Neutrality
Why did we want to remain neutral?
French propaganda poster
portrayed the Germans as
inhuman.
 In 1914, most Americans saw no
reason to join a struggle 3,000 miles
away – they wanted neutrality.
Some did not want their sons to
experience the horror of warfare.
Some German-Americans
supported Germany in World War I.
However, many Americans felt
closer to the British because of a
shared ancestry and language. Most
importantly, American economic
interests were far stronger with the
Allies.
Americans Question Neutrality
Why did we want to remain neutral?
 The November 1916 election
pitted incumbent Democrat
Woodrow Wilson vs. Republican
candidate Supreme Court justice
Charles Evans Hughes.
 Wilson won a close election
using the slogan, “He kept us out
of war.” That slogan would
prove ironic because within a
few months the United States
would be embroiled in World
War I.
US Joins the War
Why did the US join the war?
Closer ties with allies – US, Great Britain, and
France all shared same democratic political
system, common language, and history.
However, German Americans supported
Germany.
German actions and Allied propaganda –
American newspapers ran stories and pictures
depicting German atrocities.
Zimmerman Telegram – from the German
Foreign Minister to Mexico, promised the
return of lost territory if they helped Germany.
Intercepted by Britain, US enraged.
US Joins the War
Why did the US join the war?
Freedom of the seas – main reason for US entry
British Blockade – prevent food and arms getting to Germany.
Germany too weak to break blockade. Germany retaliated by
sinking merchant ships carrying goods to Great Britain.
Sinking of the Lusitania
Sussex Pledge – Germany attack a French ferry killing 50, Wilson
angered, Germany promised not to attack liners without prior
warning or help to passengers.
Unrestricted Sub warfare – Germany (starving) announced it
would sink all ships in blockade area, violates freedom of the seas.
When US ships were attacked Wilson asked Congress to declare
war. (German Proclamation 1915)
US Joins the War
Why did the US join the war?
May 7, 1915
 United States involvement in World
War I was hastened by the Lusitania
disaster. The Lusitania was a
British passenger liner that carried
1,198 persons on a fateful trip on
May 7, 1915.
 A German U-boat sank the British
passenger liner killing all aboard
including 128 American tourists.
The Germans claimed the ship was
carrying Allied ammunition.
 Americans were outraged and
public opinion turned against
Germany and the Central Powers.
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sentences, use two items of historical
proof (highlight) and explain your proof
(underline).
Could the United States have avoided
entering World War I?
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of Page 3
What were the causes of World War I and
the reasons for the U.S. entering the war?
US Joins the War
Why did the US join the war?
Zimmerman
Telegram
Zimmerman
note intercepted
by a British
agent and
decoded
Important New Weapons
What was the impact of new weapons?
 Machine Guns: Guns could
now fire 600 rounds per
minute.
 The Tank: New steel tanks
ran on caterpillar treads.
 Airplanes: Early dogfights
resembled duals, however by
1918 the British had a fleet of
planes that could deliver
bombs.
 Poison Gas: Mustard gas
was used to subdue the
enemy.
Important New Weapons
What was the impact of new weapons?
Howitzers
Flame throwers
Torpedoes
U-boats
Phosphorus grenades
Field phones
Search lights
Gas masks
Camouflage
Railroad guns
Blimps
Answer the question at the
top of page 3
List 2 weapons that made this a new
kind of war and explain how they were
used?
What were the reasons for the U.S.
joining WWI?
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of Page 7
How did America respond at home to
entering World War I?
America Declares War
How did the US get into the War?
 On April 2, 1917, senators,
representatives,
ambassadors, members of
the Supreme Court, and
other guests crowded into
the Capital building to hear
Wilson deliver his
declaration of war.
 Wilson said, “The world
must be made safe for
democracy.”
 Congress passed the
resolution a few days later.
America Declares War
How did the US get into the War?
 America was not ready for
war. Only 200,000 men
were in service when war
was declared, so Congress
passed the Selective
Service Act in May of
1917.
 By the end of 1918, 24
million had signed up and
almost 3 million were
called to duty. About 2
million American troops
reached Europe.
Highlights of the War
What were the Highlights of the War?
American Expeditionary Force – under
the command of General John J. Pershing
Insisted American soldiers be well trained
before being sent to the western front
Demanded American forces fight together
Wilson refused to allow African Americans to
serve, however served under French command.
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proof (highlight) and explain your
proof (underline).
Highlights of the War
What were the Highlights of the War?
Battle of Argonne Forest – greatest
American battle of 1918
Terrain was steep, concrete walls, traps for
tanks, miles of barbed wire
The AEF assembled 600,000 men and shattered
German defenses
Opened a hole in German lines
Final and most important battle of the AEF
Highlights of the War
What were the Highlights of the War?
Alvin York
Avoided military service as a conscientious
objector
Drafted at age 29 – underprivileged and
undereducated
Battle of Argonne with only a pistol and rifle
he killed 25 Germans and captured 132
prisoners.
Received Medal of Honor
America Mobilizes
How did we respond at home?
1. Selective Service Act- May 1917
Required men to register with the government in
order to be randomly selected for military service
24 million men registered and 2 million fought in WWI
400,000 African Americans fought in segregated units
Women were able to serve in the Army of Corps of Nurses
2. Mass Production
Needed food, equipment, weapons and especially
transportation
The gov. gave special privileges to shipyard workers
Draft exemptions
America Mobilizes
How did we respond at home?
3. American Convoy System
Needed to a way get past German U-boats
This system had heavy destroyers escort merchant ships across
the Atlantic
It worked only 637 lives were lost to U-boat attacks
4. Americans had to get use to the new way of fighting
Doughboys, American infantrymen, were shocked by the new
weapons and tactics
Tanks, airplanes, bombs, poisonous gas, machine guns
War brought new hazards and injuries
“Shell Shock” - a complete emotional collapse
Trench Foot- only solution was to amputate the foot or toes
Poisonous Gases- blinded, burned and killed
America Mobilizes
How did we respond at home?
Although we were only in the war for a year, it had a
great impact on the homefront
War Industries Board- helped with mass
production of war supplies
Liberty Bonds- savings bonds sold to help
finance the war
Propaganda- to encourage buying bonds or
serving
Victory Gardens – people were asked to grow
their own vegetables and to adjust to days like
“meatless” Tuesday
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sentences, use two items of historical
proof (highlight) and explain your
proof (underline).
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How did America respond at home to
entering World War I?
America Mobilizes
How did we respond at home?
The U.S. had two major tasks:
raising money and convincing
the public to support the war.
The U.S. spent $35.5 billion
on the war effort.
The government raised about
1/3 of that through an income
tax and “sin” taxes.
 The rest was raised through
war bonds sold to the public
(Liberty Loans & Victory
Loans)
America Mobilizes
How did we respond at home?
 To conserve food, Wilson set up
the Food Administration (FA)
which declared one day a week
“meatless,” another “sweetless,”
and two days “wheatless.”
Homeowners planted “victory
gardens” in their yards and
school children worked after
school growing tomatoes and
cucumbers in public parks.
 Farmers increased production by
almost 30% by adding 40 million
acres of farmland
Attacks on Civil Liberties
How did we violate civil liberties?
1. Anti-immigration HysteriaThe nasty attacks were mainly against German immigrants
Many lost their jobs
Schools stopped teaching German
Some resorted to violence
2. Espionage and Sedition Acts- June 1917
 A person could be fined up to $10,000 and sentenced to 20 years in jail
for interfering with the war effort or by being “disloyal” to the govt.
2,000 ppl were prosecuted for opposing the war
Mainly targeted socialists and labor leaders
Eugene Debs was sentenced to 10 yrs
America Mobilizes
How did we respond at home?
Schenck v. U.S. 1919
Charles Schenk – socialist party, felt
drafting soldiers was unfair use of gov.
authority
Convicted for Distributing literature
encouraging men to resist draft
Said violated his first amend right
Supreme court argued there are limits to
free speech – set standard of limits on
free speech
Germany Collapses
How did WWI come to an end?
The addition of the American troops was
too much for Germany to handle
On November 11, 1918 Germany signed the
Armistice (cease fire) Eleventh day,
eleventh hour in eleventh month (Nov. 11)
22 million people were killed total
48,000 US soldiers were killed in battle, 62,000
killed from disease and 200,000 wounded
Damages estimated at 338 billion dollars
Wilson’s Plan
How did WWI come to an end?
Met at the Palace of Versailles on
January 1918
Allies met to decide the peace terms
Central Powers and Russia were not invited
Wilson presented his plan called the
“Fourteen Points” on January 18, 1918
Goal was to eliminate the causes of WWI
Wilson’s Plan
How did WWI come to an end?
Freedom of the Seas- all nations should have equal
access to water trade routes
Self-Determination- culturally/ethnically similar
people should choose how to form their own nation and
gov’t
Mandate System- process for Allied powers to oversee
transition of former colonies and imperial possessions
to independent nations
League of Nations- international organization to
address diplomatic issues without going to war, defend
each other if needed – US and Russia didn‘t join.
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two items of historical proof (highlight) and
explain your proof (underline).
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Why were the peace treaties ending World
War I so controversial?
Wilson’s Plan
How did WWI come to an end?
Wilson’s focus was the Fourteen Points, while GB
and France wanted to punish Germany
What was included in the treaty:
9 new nations created (Poland, Czechoslovakia,
Yugoslavia, etc.)
Germany stripped of its army, forced to accept the war
guilt clause- accept blame for starting the war
Germany required to pay $33 billion in reparationspayment of war damages
League of Nations –severely weakened when several
major nations failed to join.
Wilson’s Plan
How did WWI come to an end?
The treaty humiliated Germany and
they remained bitter and angry
Italy and Japan are angry b/c they felt
like they should have been given more
land
Russia was left out of the talks
New communist gov’t under Vladimir
Lenin was determined to get taken land
back
Wilson’s Plan
How did WWI come to an end?
When Wilson returned home many
were unsatisfied with the peace treaty
Democrats supported the treaty
(Wilson was a Dem)
Republicans were split- strong
isolationist feeling
“Irreconcilables”- opposed it outright
Revisionists- opposed mainly the League
of Nations
Wilson’s Plan
How did WWI come to an end?
Wilson refused to compromise on the
League
Wilson traveled throughout the nation
explaining why the US should join the
League
On Oct. 2, 1919 Wilson suffered a stroke
and was weakened
Senate voted against the treaty
The US never joined the League and decided
to sign a separate treaty with Germany in
1921
The Legacy of the War
What was the impact of WWI?
22 million dead, more than
half civilians. An additional 20
million wounded.
 At home, the war strengthened both the
military and the power of the government.
 The propaganda campaign provoked
powerful fears in society.
 For many countries the war created
political instability and violence that lasted
for years
 Russia established the first Communist
state during the war
 Americans called World War I, “The War
to end all Wars” --- however unresolved
issues would eventually drag the U.S. into
an even deadlier conflict.
The Legacy of the War
What was the impact of WWI?
Henry Cabot Lodge - Republican
Senator- opposed to the part of the
treaty dealing with the League of
Nations
Argued that the US would lose the right
to declare war for itself, and instead, be
dragged into future European conflicts by
the LoN
The Legacy of the War
What was the impact of WWI?
Americans turned their attention
towards home – isolationism –
separating themselves from other
countries, affairs
Rejected Treaty of Versailles
Refusal to join Lon
Higher tariffs
Restricting European immigration
Answer the following on page 11 in 4-5 sentences, use
two items of historical proof (highlight) and
explain your proof (underline).