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This article discusses the major causes of World War I, including imperialism, military buildup, nationalism, and alliances. It also explores the specific events that led to the outbreak of the war, such as the annexation of Bosnia by Austria-Hungary and the assassination of heir to the throne Franz Ferdinand. The article also delves into the early days of the war, modern warfare tactics and weaponry, and the role of the United States in joining the war.
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Major Causes of WWI • Imperialism- Most European & Asian countries were looking to expand. • Military Size- Most powerful countries were building their military in case of war, this made it more likely. • Nationalism- Countries would act in their own self-interest. This could create tension and rival countries. • Alliances- Agreements between countries to come to each other’s aid in time or war. This is why the war got so big, so quick.
Actual Events that start WWI • Austria-Hungry annexes Bosnia • A group called the Black Hand wants to see Bosnia and Serbia join together. • Black Hand starts to plan the assassination of heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne Francz Ferninand. • Black Hand carries out its plan when Ferninand visits Bosnia • Gavrilo Princip carries out assassination. Gets twenty years in prison, but dies of tuberculosis before he serves his term.
Pictures & Video Gavrilo Princip Franz Ferdinand
Early days of WWI • Central Powers- Germany & Austria Hungary, Turkey (end of 1914) • Allies- Russia, Serbia, France, Great Britain, Italy (1915) United States (1917) • July 28, 1914-Austria Hungary declares war on Serbia • Russia comes in as Serbia’s ally. • Germany declares war on Russia. • France enters as Russia’s ally. • Germany decides to wipe out France first, so they go through Belgium, which brings Britain into the war. • Within one week all major European powers were involved in the war.
Modern Warfare • Trench war- Soldiers would stay in trenches for days. Soldiers were usually buried where they fell. • “The stench of the dead bodies now is awful as they have been exposed to the sun for several days, many have swollen and burst. The trench is full of other occupants, things with lots of legs, also swarms of rats.” (1) Sergeant A. Vine, diary entry (8th August, 1915)
Trench Foot • This was an infection of the feet caused by cold, wet and unsanitary conditions. In the trenches men stood for hours on end in waterlogged trenches. Only treatments was to apply whale-oil and dry the feet as often as possible.
Modern Warfare • Trench War- Each side had its own trench. The space between was known as “no-man’s land”
Modern Weapons • Machine Guns- Could fire 450 rounds a min. • Grenades- Could be thrown into trenches • Chlorine Gas & other chemicals- During first attacks many soldiers didn’t know they were being poisoned. • Tanks- Early tanks moved slow and didn’t have powerful guns. • Howitzers- Could fire large shells long distances. • Airplanes- Used for reconnaissance in early stages, later added machine guns.
Pictures BritishHowitzer Early Tank Machine Gun Red Baron
More Pictures British tank crossing a trench Plane used in WWI USS SouthCarolina U.S.Submarines
The German U-Boat • U-boat- German submarines that sank many ships off the coast of Great Britain. • U-boats sinks the Lusitania & the Sussex. • Germany issues the Sussex Pledge promising the U.S. that it will not fire on passenger ships without warning again. They do not follow this agreement.
Final Straw for U.S. • President Woodrow Wilson asked the U.S. to be patient but the Zimmermann Note and the later sinking of 3 U.S. ships is the final straw. The U.S. declares war in April 1917. The declaration of war passes the Senate by a vote of 82-6 and the House by 373-50. • Zimmermann note- Message sent from German foreign secretary to Mexico offering an alliance between Germany & Mexico. Germany promised to help Mexico win back areas such as Texas which it had lost in prior wars. • U.S. gets to Europe just in time to help save Paris from the Germans.
End of WWI • War comes to an end with in Nov. 1918 when an armistice (cease fire) is finally ordered by the Allies. • Fourteen Points- Wilson’s plan for post WWI peace in Europe. • League of Nations- Wilson’s plan for an organization of nations to ensure world peace. Said that an attack on one, was an attack on all. U.S. actually does not join because Congress will not approve. • Versailles Treaty- Peace treaty signed with Germany to end the WWI. (U.S. did not sign) • U.S. signs separate peace treaties with Germany, Austria and Hungary.
Effects of the War on the U.S. • Selective Service Act-drafting of young men to the military to fight in WWI. Used a lottery to pick. • Espionage Act- banned printed materials objecting to the war. Also enacted penalties for speaking out against the war, etc. $ or prison. • Great Migration- Movement of large number of African Americans from the rural south to the industrial north to find jobs during the war. • Red Scare- A wave of widespread fear of communist. • Palmer Raids- Police arrested thousands of suspected communist or immigrants.
