World War I

The war to end all warsWorld War IMain Causes for the warMilitarism: Build up of army and weapons of many European powers

Allies/Assassination: Triple Entente and Triple AllianceThe Archduke Ferdinand killed by the black hand

Imperialism: The spread of empires just prior to the turn of the 20th century

Nationalism: Countries began to fight for independence (Serbia and Austria in the Balkans)The SparkGavrilo Princip

Schlieffen PlanGermany invades Belgium hoping to destroy France quickly so they can shift their forces to Russia.

Battle of the Marne prevents a quick victory

Battle of the Marne and Trench WarfareMarne:Sept 1914 French vs. Germans

Changes in WarfareNo Mans LandBarbed WireChemical WarfareMachine Gun

Horrors of Trench Warfare

Battles of WWI Battle of the Verdun Feb-July of 1916

Battle of the SommeJuly-Nov of 1916Longest battle of the War1.2 million killed over 7 miles of land

To join or not to joinAfter a decade of fighting to maintain a shrinking empire America opts to stay out of war.

German immigrants wanted to join Central along with Irish immigrants

British immigrants side with allied forces and we have more economic interests there

William Jennings Bryan says they should remain PacifistsWhat do you think?At what point do you think that America should become involved with foreign affairs?

What would have to happen for you to justify sending our youth to fight oversees?

Is there ever a just time?America gets involvedBritish Blockade:Starves 750,000 Germans

German U-boats

The sinking of the Lusitania kills 1198 people including 128 AmericansMay 7, 1915