World War I

Conditions in Europe in early 1900’s

• Ripe with nationalism(Germany and Italy brimming with pride)

• France steamed over the Franco-Prussian War defeat

• Russia sponsoring a movement of all Slavic countries

• Balkans are a ticking time bomb– Austria-Hungary and the Ottoman Empire struggling to

control nationalist desires

• Secret, entangling, alliances

Europe in 1914

Choosing sides: A History of Alliances

TREATY DATE COUNTRIES

The Dual Alliance 1879-1918 Austria-HungaryGermany

In protecting Austria-Hungary from Russia, Germany was looking out for her own interests. If Austria-Hungary were ever to fall then the Russians would be at the German door. This was an actual defensive alliance on the part of Germany.

Europe in 1879

Choosing sides: A History of Alliances

TREATY DATE COUNTRIES

The Triple Alliance 1882-1915 Austria-HungaryGermanyItaly

This strategic alliance was formed for the express purpose of stopping Italy from attacking Austria-Hungary in the event of war with Russia.

Europe in 1882

Choosing sides: A History of Alliances

TREATY DATE COUNTRIES

Franco-Russian 1894-1917 FranceRussia

This major lasting alliance was the Russian reaction to The Triple Alliance.

Europe in 1894

Choosing sides: A History of Alliances

TREATY DATE COUNTRIES

The Entente 1904-1918 FranceCordiale Great Britain

This agreement between Great Britain and France was more a sign of healing relations than an actual alliance. The Triple Alliance powers took note.

Europe in 1904

Choosing sides: A History of Alliances

TREATY DATE COUNTRIES

The Anglo- 1907-1917 RussiaRussian Entente Great Britain

Great Britain and Russia, having settled their differences, take this final step toward the Triple Entente.

Europe in 1914

Choosing sides: A History of Alliances

TREATY DATE COUNTRIES

The Triple 1907-1917 RussiaEntente Great Britain

France

This final alliance drew the lines for the war that would follow. Germany's worst fears of encirclement were realized and a two front war had been made a certainty.

Europe in 1907

Annexation:

Balkans

• June 28, 1914 -- Arch Duke Franz Ferdinand of Austria and his wife Sophia make plans to be in parade in Bosnian capital, Sarajevo.

• Bosnia, on June 28, 1912, had won its independence from the Ottoman Empire that had controlled it since 1389, but Austro-Hungary had tried to control it.

Assassination planned

• A nationalist, terrorist-esque group called the Black Hand make plans to kill the Arch Duke and his wife during the parade

• After crazy chain of events and coincidences, 19 year-old Gavrilo Princip, assassinates Franz Ferdinand and his wife.

Assassination:The start

Archduke Francis Ferdinand visits Sarajevo and puts his life in “God’s hands.” Gavrilo Princip fires two shots and kills both Ferdinand and his wife. June 28th, 1914

News Hits!!! Incredible chain of events ensue

• Austria demands that Serbia crack down on all “anti-Austria” behavior -- Serbia refuses

• Austria declares war on Serbia.

• Germany gives Austria a “blank check” support.

• Russia asks Austria to back down in support of its, “Slavic” neighbor.

• Austria refuses, Russia begins to mobilize for war

• Germany declares war on Russia

• Russia turns to France and asks for help--France grants Russia a “blank check”

• Germany declares war on France

• Italy and Great Britain are neutral for the time being.

Declarations of War!

Excitement for war

• People from all sides rush to enlist in their respective armies

• artwork depicts fervor

• Professionals and college students drop everything to enlist

Meanwhile, back at the ranch...

• Back in Germany, General Alfred von Schlieffen had devised a plan (just in case), to avoid a two-front war.

• Von Schlieffen Plan: go through Belgium, around France’s front line, and quickly take control of France before the backwards Russia could mobilize.

• August 3, 1914 -- Germany invades Belgium and Great Britain declares war on Germany

Trench Warfare• Germans race through Belgium, (despite a treaty

to honor its neutrality), and into France

• Russia mobilizes and quickly wins a few small victories in East Prussia.

• Germany pulls troops from France to defend its backside.

• Trenches are dug between France and Germany that will barely move over the course of four ugly years.

• 1800’s strategy takes on 20th century technology.

• The result is carnage never seen before.

President Wilson issues a neutrality proclamation. American economy

takes a leap with European war orders.

What about the Americans?

Country 1914 1916Britain $594,271,863 $1,526,685,102France $159,818,924 $ 626,851,988Germany $344,794,276 $ 288,899

How did the Americans get involved?

Unterseeboot(U-Boat)

How did the Americans get involved?

Lusitania sunkMay 7th, 19151,198 lives128 Americans

Arabic sunkAug. 15th, 19152 Americans

Sussex sunkGermany issuesSussex Agreement

The Zimmerman NoteBerlin, January 19, 1917

On the first of February we intend to begin submarine warfare unrestricted. In spite of this, it is our intention to endeavor to keep neutral the United States of America.

If this attempt is not successful, we propose an alliance on the following basis with Mexico: That we shall make war together and together make peace. We shall give general financial support, and it is understood that Mexico is to reconquer the lost territory in New Mexico, Texas, and Arizona. The details are left to you for settlement....

You are instructed to inform the President of Mexico of the above in the greatest confidence as soon as it is certain that there will be an outbreak of war with the United States and suggest that the President of Mexico, on his own initiative, should communicate with Japan suggesting adherence at once to this plan; at the same time, offer to mediate between Germany and Japan.

Please call to the attention of the President of Mexico that the employment of ruthless submarine warfare now promises to compel England to make peace in a few months.

Zimmerman(Secretary of State)

How did the Americans get involved?

Germany declares unlimited U-BoatWarfare.

Four American merchant ships are sunk in March 1917.

Wilson asks congress for a declaration of war on April 2, 1917.

Men Killed in Battle

Russia:

Germany:

France:

Britain:

Austria:

Italy:

United States:

1,700,000

1,600,000

1,385,000

900,000

800,000

462,000

53,000

The end of the War

November 11, 1918

“The eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month”

Germany agrees to an armistice

Treaty of Versailles is signed 1919The American congress refuses to signThe Allied powers punish GermanyIS this already the start of WWII?

Trench warfare

Desolation of battle fields

Hole from exploded mines in 1916,

Battle of the Somme