Causes
1. Military Alliances
In Europe, there were many established alliances, which meant that if one country became militarily involved with another, the allied countries had to stick together. The alliances were:
-Russia and Serbia
-Germany and Austria-Hungary
-France and Russia
-Britain, France, and Belgium
-Japan and Britain
After Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia (after the assassination of Franz Ferdinand), Russia involved itself to defend Serbia. Germany got involved because of its alliance with Austria-Hungary, and after seeing the growing Russian power. After Germany's involvement, France joined into Russia's side. France was attacked by Germany through Belgium, thus involving Great Britain into the war because they were allies with Belgium. The United States and Italy didn't join in until later in the war.
2. Imperialism
Imperialism is when a country extends its power and authority by acquiring other territories for its own benefit. Before the outbreak of the war, many European nations had their eyes on territories in Africa and Asia, especially because of the raw materials that were abundant there. There was much competition over who would control these lands, leading to greater tensions between the European nations. Japan, Italy, and Germany being the especially competitive nations.
3. Militarism
Militarism is when a country maintains a strong military presence. Towards the beginning of the 20th Century, there was much competition between some European nations over military presence and power. The German army was becoming especially powerful. Great Britain and Germany both increased the size and power of their navies. Not only were these military establishments more powerful, but in Germany and France the military was beginning to have more control over public policy, This race for military dominance created more tension between the already tense European nations, who were all trying to be the most powerful.
4. Nationalism
Nationalism is when a country is joined together in a common cause, and everyone feels proud of where they're from, and they're willing to do anything to help their homeland. There were two different nationalism causes in this time period. One was for the Balkan people to have independence from Austria-Hungary, which involved other allies, causing instability among the nations. Another was coming from the growing national spirit of many of the European nations, who were now feeling dominant, making them feel the need to battle for power. These rivalries helped to make European nations even more uneasy with each other.
5. Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand
In June of 1914, a Serbian nationalist murdered the Archduke and his wife were in Sarajevo, Bosnia. The Serbian nationalist hated that Austria-Hungary had control over Serbia. The assassination was the immediate start of the war because Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia. Some members of the Serbian cabinet knew that the assassination was going to take place but did not do anything to stop it from happening.
In Europe, there were many established alliances, which meant that if one country became militarily involved with another, the allied countries had to stick together. The alliances were:
-Russia and Serbia
-Germany and Austria-Hungary
-France and Russia
-Britain, France, and Belgium
-Japan and Britain
After Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia (after the assassination of Franz Ferdinand), Russia involved itself to defend Serbia. Germany got involved because of its alliance with Austria-Hungary, and after seeing the growing Russian power. After Germany's involvement, France joined into Russia's side. France was attacked by Germany through Belgium, thus involving Great Britain into the war because they were allies with Belgium. The United States and Italy didn't join in until later in the war.
2. Imperialism
Imperialism is when a country extends its power and authority by acquiring other territories for its own benefit. Before the outbreak of the war, many European nations had their eyes on territories in Africa and Asia, especially because of the raw materials that were abundant there. There was much competition over who would control these lands, leading to greater tensions between the European nations. Japan, Italy, and Germany being the especially competitive nations.
3. Militarism
Militarism is when a country maintains a strong military presence. Towards the beginning of the 20th Century, there was much competition between some European nations over military presence and power. The German army was becoming especially powerful. Great Britain and Germany both increased the size and power of their navies. Not only were these military establishments more powerful, but in Germany and France the military was beginning to have more control over public policy, This race for military dominance created more tension between the already tense European nations, who were all trying to be the most powerful.
4. Nationalism
Nationalism is when a country is joined together in a common cause, and everyone feels proud of where they're from, and they're willing to do anything to help their homeland. There were two different nationalism causes in this time period. One was for the Balkan people to have independence from Austria-Hungary, which involved other allies, causing instability among the nations. Another was coming from the growing national spirit of many of the European nations, who were now feeling dominant, making them feel the need to battle for power. These rivalries helped to make European nations even more uneasy with each other.
5. Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand
In June of 1914, a Serbian nationalist murdered the Archduke and his wife were in Sarajevo, Bosnia. The Serbian nationalist hated that Austria-Hungary had control over Serbia. The assassination was the immediate start of the war because Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia. Some members of the Serbian cabinet knew that the assassination was going to take place but did not do anything to stop it from happening.
America's Involvement Prior to 1917
1. Sinking of the Lusitania
The Lusitania was a British ship that was set to sail from New York to Liverpool on 1 May 1915. In that time, traveling on the seas was considered dangerous because of the threatening U-Boats. Captains were advised to sail at full speed and zigzag, but because of the weather conditions that day the Lusitania was easy to spot because of its slow movement. Off the coast of Southern Ireland, a German U-Boat had spotted and targeted the ship. 1 shot hit the ship, but there were 2 explosions. The ship sunk within 18 minutes. 1,198 of 1,959 died. Americans were furious that 189 of their citizens were killed in a war that they weren't even involved in. It created tension between the US and Germany, and made the Americans more inclined to involve themselves in the war.
2. Black Tom Incident
On 29 July 1916, German agents set fire to a series of warehouses and buildings in the New York habour. The warehouses and buildings were filled with munitions, fuel, and other supplies that were going to be used to help the Allies cause. After World War 1 had broke out, the Americans began to help supply the Allies cause because they were in alliances with some of the countries involved. German spies alerted the German government of this, which prompted the Germans to immediately take action against it. At the time of the Black Tom Explosion, the United States was stilled declared neutral, which infuriated many American citizens and prompted them to help even further in the war cause.
3. Kingsland Explosion
In March of 1916 the United States was not yet involved in the war but was assisting allies with supplies. A huge factory was built in Kingsland. In the factory, Building 30 was used solely for cleaning out shells. In January of 1917, a fire started at one of the workbenches, and the entire establishment exploded and was destroyed. It all began at the workbench of Fiodoe Wozniak. The explosion made many Americans suspicious even though it was later proved that the Germans did not cause the explosion.
4. Zimmermann Note
The Zimmermann telegram was a coded message from Germany to Germany's ambassador who was in Mexico. It was intercepted by the British, who were able to decode it. The note revealed that Germany was planning to start unrestricted submarine warfare, and it also offered Mexico American territory if it were to declare war on the US. When Great Britain told the Americans of the Zimmermann Note, the Americans were outraged because they were still considered neutral. Instead of World War 1 being a European problem, the Germans were bringing it back the Americans.
The Lusitania was a British ship that was set to sail from New York to Liverpool on 1 May 1915. In that time, traveling on the seas was considered dangerous because of the threatening U-Boats. Captains were advised to sail at full speed and zigzag, but because of the weather conditions that day the Lusitania was easy to spot because of its slow movement. Off the coast of Southern Ireland, a German U-Boat had spotted and targeted the ship. 1 shot hit the ship, but there were 2 explosions. The ship sunk within 18 minutes. 1,198 of 1,959 died. Americans were furious that 189 of their citizens were killed in a war that they weren't even involved in. It created tension between the US and Germany, and made the Americans more inclined to involve themselves in the war.
2. Black Tom Incident
On 29 July 1916, German agents set fire to a series of warehouses and buildings in the New York habour. The warehouses and buildings were filled with munitions, fuel, and other supplies that were going to be used to help the Allies cause. After World War 1 had broke out, the Americans began to help supply the Allies cause because they were in alliances with some of the countries involved. German spies alerted the German government of this, which prompted the Germans to immediately take action against it. At the time of the Black Tom Explosion, the United States was stilled declared neutral, which infuriated many American citizens and prompted them to help even further in the war cause.
3. Kingsland Explosion
In March of 1916 the United States was not yet involved in the war but was assisting allies with supplies. A huge factory was built in Kingsland. In the factory, Building 30 was used solely for cleaning out shells. In January of 1917, a fire started at one of the workbenches, and the entire establishment exploded and was destroyed. It all began at the workbench of Fiodoe Wozniak. The explosion made many Americans suspicious even though it was later proved that the Germans did not cause the explosion.
4. Zimmermann Note
The Zimmermann telegram was a coded message from Germany to Germany's ambassador who was in Mexico. It was intercepted by the British, who were able to decode it. The note revealed that Germany was planning to start unrestricted submarine warfare, and it also offered Mexico American territory if it were to declare war on the US. When Great Britain told the Americans of the Zimmermann Note, the Americans were outraged because they were still considered neutral. Instead of World War 1 being a European problem, the Germans were bringing it back the Americans.
World War 1 Battles
1. Chateau Thierry
Date: The Battle of Chateau Thierry was fought on 18 July 1918.
Leaders: The Allies were led by American leader John J. Pershing and French leader Charles Mangin.
The Germans were led by Erich Ludendorff.
Casualties: The Allies suffered around 10,000 casualties.
The German casualties aren't known, but around 2,000 of their troops were taken prisoner.
Winner: This battle was an Allied victory.
Significant Facts:
1. The Allied Troops planned a sneak attack on the Germans, surprising them completely.
2. After the victory of the Allies, there was a large morale boost in the United States because it was a major battle.
3. The actually battle took place on a 40 km front.
4. This battle was a response to the German Aisne offensive.
5. This battle also included a new type of boot worn by the American troops. It was developed because of the results the trenches had on the soldiers' feet.
2. Belleau Wood
Date: The Battle of Belleau Wood was fought from 6-26 June 1918.
Leaders: The Allies were led by John J. Pershing and James Harbord.
The Germans were led by Crown Prince Wilhelm.
Casulties: The Allies had around 9,777 casualties.
The German casualties aren't known, but there were approximately 1,600 of their troops taken prisoner during the battle.
Winner: The battle was a victory for the Allies.
Significant Facts:
1. General Pershing called it the most important US battle fought since the US Civil War.
2. The Germans nicknamed the American Marines "Teufel Hunden", which means "Devil Dogs".
3. The attacks were hard for the Americans to make because the wood itself was made of closely packed trees.
4. This battle was the last of the Germans' major offensive attacks.
5. James Harbord and his troops had to run through an open wheat field that was surrounded by German machine gun fire, and is still considered a controversial move.
3. Meus-Argonne Offensive
Date: This battle was fought from 26 September to 11 November 1918.
Leaders: The Allies were led by John Pershing, Hunter Liggett, Henri Gouraud, and Henri Mathias.
The Germans were led by Georg von der Marwitz.
Casualties: The Allies had around 187,000 casualties.
The Germans had around 120,000 casualties.
Winner: The battle is considered a decisive Allied victory.
Significant Facts:
1. This battle was critical in stopping the German resistance and ending World War 1 in general.
2. During this battle, Corporal Alvin York won the Medal of Honor for capturing 132 Germans.
3. The terrain on which the battle was fought made the American attacks very difficult to carry out.
4. It was also difficult because the Germans had been in control of the area for over 4 years.
5. It is considered to be the largest American military campaign to that date.
Date: The Battle of Chateau Thierry was fought on 18 July 1918.
Leaders: The Allies were led by American leader John J. Pershing and French leader Charles Mangin.
The Germans were led by Erich Ludendorff.
Casualties: The Allies suffered around 10,000 casualties.
The German casualties aren't known, but around 2,000 of their troops were taken prisoner.
Winner: This battle was an Allied victory.
Significant Facts:
1. The Allied Troops planned a sneak attack on the Germans, surprising them completely.
2. After the victory of the Allies, there was a large morale boost in the United States because it was a major battle.
3. The actually battle took place on a 40 km front.
4. This battle was a response to the German Aisne offensive.
5. This battle also included a new type of boot worn by the American troops. It was developed because of the results the trenches had on the soldiers' feet.
2. Belleau Wood
Date: The Battle of Belleau Wood was fought from 6-26 June 1918.
Leaders: The Allies were led by John J. Pershing and James Harbord.
The Germans were led by Crown Prince Wilhelm.
Casulties: The Allies had around 9,777 casualties.
The German casualties aren't known, but there were approximately 1,600 of their troops taken prisoner during the battle.
Winner: The battle was a victory for the Allies.
Significant Facts:
1. General Pershing called it the most important US battle fought since the US Civil War.
2. The Germans nicknamed the American Marines "Teufel Hunden", which means "Devil Dogs".
3. The attacks were hard for the Americans to make because the wood itself was made of closely packed trees.
4. This battle was the last of the Germans' major offensive attacks.
5. James Harbord and his troops had to run through an open wheat field that was surrounded by German machine gun fire, and is still considered a controversial move.
3. Meus-Argonne Offensive
Date: This battle was fought from 26 September to 11 November 1918.
Leaders: The Allies were led by John Pershing, Hunter Liggett, Henri Gouraud, and Henri Mathias.
The Germans were led by Georg von der Marwitz.
Casualties: The Allies had around 187,000 casualties.
The Germans had around 120,000 casualties.
Winner: The battle is considered a decisive Allied victory.
Significant Facts:
1. This battle was critical in stopping the German resistance and ending World War 1 in general.
2. During this battle, Corporal Alvin York won the Medal of Honor for capturing 132 Germans.
3. The terrain on which the battle was fought made the American attacks very difficult to carry out.
4. It was also difficult because the Germans had been in control of the area for over 4 years.
5. It is considered to be the largest American military campaign to that date.
Treaty of Versailles
The Treaty of Versailles was signed on 28 June 1919. The "Big Three" were the most influential at the meeting to debate and discuss the terms of the treaty, and Germany was not invited to put their input into it. On 7 May that year, Germany was given three weeks to accept the terms of it. There were four main terms in the Treaty of Versailles.
1. Germany had to accept the blame for the start of the war.
2. Germany had to pay 6,600 million Euros for war reparations.
3. Germany was not allowed to own any submarines or have an air force. They could have an army of 100,000 men, but not in the Rhineland.
4. Germany lost some of its territories, which were given the France and Britain.
The League of Nations was also separately created around this time. It became officially in effect on 10 January 1920. The main goal of the League of Nations was to ensure that war didn't break out again, and to keep peace among the nations involved in the League. The League was based in Geneva, Switzerland. It was proposed by Woodrow Wilson, but the United States were never a part of the League of Nations.
1. Germany had to accept the blame for the start of the war.
2. Germany had to pay 6,600 million Euros for war reparations.
3. Germany was not allowed to own any submarines or have an air force. They could have an army of 100,000 men, but not in the Rhineland.
4. Germany lost some of its territories, which were given the France and Britain.
The League of Nations was also separately created around this time. It became officially in effect on 10 January 1920. The main goal of the League of Nations was to ensure that war didn't break out again, and to keep peace among the nations involved in the League. The League was based in Geneva, Switzerland. It was proposed by Woodrow Wilson, but the United States were never a part of the League of Nations.