The Road to the Great WarWWI

Causes of the War nationalism – feeling that a specific

nation, language, or culture is superior to all others

imperialism – creating an empire by taking over other nations (Britain, France, Germany, Italy, U.S.)

militarism – aggressive military preparedness; ex. European nations built larger militaries than ever before

The Spark

Austria-Hungary heir, Archduke Franz Ferdinand, killed by Serbian radicals Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia Russia was allies with Serbia Germany allies with Austria-Hungary so…

Germany declares war on Russia Central Powers – Austria-Hungary,

Germany, Bulgaria, Ottoman Empire (Turkey)

Allied Powers – Britain, France, Italy, & Russia

War in Europe trench warfare – strategy

of defending a position by fighting from the protection of deep ditches (i.e. bunkers)

technology – machine guns, poison gas (mustard, chlorine), tanks, airplanes, & submarines

U-boats or submarines (Germans)

America Enters the War

German U-boat sank the Lusitania, a British passenger ship, holding 128 Americans; Germans broke international law

The President, Woodrow Wilson, prolonged U.S. neutrality and wanted world peace

Zimmerman telegram – German foreign minister wrote a confiscated note to Mexico which proposed an alliance between the two against U.S. outraged Americans

from isolationism to saving the day!

The Big 4 (leaders) were:

Vittorio Orlando – Italy

George Clemencea – France

David Lloyd George – Great Britain

Woodrow Wilson – U.S.

SUMMARY

QUIZ TIME http://www.history.com/shows/the-world-wars/videos/trial-by-fire?m=5189717d404fa&s=All&f=2&free=false

1. What event ignited the Great War?

2. What kind of warfare dominated the front lines in WWI?

3. Name two reasons why the U.S. enters WWI.