World War OneWorld War One““The War to End all Wars”The War to End all Wars”

Long-Term CausesLong-Term Causes• Imperialism – Euro rivals for control of colonies Imperialism – Euro rivals for control of colonies

around the worldaround the world– PantherPanther incident in Morocco (GB, FR, Ger) incident in Morocco (GB, FR, Ger)– Russo-Japanese War (RUS, JAP)Russo-Japanese War (RUS, JAP)

• Nationalism – Intense patriotismNationalism – Intense patriotism– Euros each claimed to be the bestEuros each claimed to be the best

• GB & GER locked in increasing rivalryGB & GER locked in increasing rivalry

• Militarism – an international arms raceMilitarism – an international arms race– GB & GER at forefront of this dangerous rivalryGB & GER at forefront of this dangerous rivalry

• Alliance System – mutual protection Alliance System – mutual protection agreements among nationsagreements among nations

The Pre-War AlliancesThe Pre-War Alliances

The Triple AllianceThe Triple AllianceFormed 1882Formed 1882

•GermanyGermany

•Austria-HungaryAustria-Hungary

•ItalyItaly

The Triple EntenteThe Triple EntenteFormed 1907Formed 1907

•Great BritainGreat Britain

•FranceFrance

•RussiaRussia

The Powder Keg & the SparkThe Powder Keg & the Spark• Territorial disputes led to friction in BalkansTerritorial disputes led to friction in Balkans

– Dispute between Austria-Hungary & Serbia over Dispute between Austria-Hungary & Serbia over control of Bosnia-Herzegovina control of Bosnia-Herzegovina

• Region an unstable mix of independent Region an unstable mix of independent states won from the Ottoman Empirestates won from the Ottoman Empire

• Austria-Hungary & Russia main rivals for Austria-Hungary & Russia main rivals for control of the Balkanscontrol of the Balkans– Russians supported Serbian claim to BosniaRussians supported Serbian claim to Bosnia– Russia considered the main Slavic powerRussia considered the main Slavic power

• Assassination of Austrian Arch Duke Francis Assassination of Austrian Arch Duke Francis Ferdinand (6/28/14) while visiting Sarajevo Ferdinand (6/28/14) while visiting Sarajevo sparks the War sparks the War

Descent to WarDescent to War• Black Hand - Serbian Nationalist group Black Hand - Serbian Nationalist group

responsible for assassinationresponsible for assassination– Gavrilo Princip the assassinGavrilo Princip the assassin

• Austria-Hungary threatens war w/ SerbiaAustria-Hungary threatens war w/ Serbia– Consults w/ Germany – given “Blank Check” by Consults w/ Germany – given “Blank Check” by

Kaiser William IIKaiser William II

• Austria declares war on Serbia 7/28/1914Austria declares war on Serbia 7/28/1914• Russians mobilize to come to Serbia’s aid 7/30Russians mobilize to come to Serbia’s aid 7/30• 8/1 – Ger declares war on Russia8/1 – Ger declares war on Russia• 8/3 – Ger declares war on France8/3 – Ger declares war on France• 8/4 – Ger invasion of Belgium leads GB to 8/4 – Ger invasion of Belgium leads GB to

declare war against Ger declare war against Ger

The Royal Families of EuropeThe Royal Families of Europe

• Windsor – GB – George VWindsor – GB – George V

• Hohenzollern – Ger – Kaiser Wilhelm IIHohenzollern – Ger – Kaiser Wilhelm II

• Habsburg – Aust-Hung – Franz JosephHabsburg – Aust-Hung – Franz Joseph

• Romanov – Russia – Nicholas IIRomanov – Russia – Nicholas II– All but France and Switzerland were All but France and Switzerland were

monarchiesmonarchies

Why did these powers go to war?Why did these powers go to war?

• Attempts were made to keep peaceAttempts were made to keep peace– Geneva Convention (1863-64) – international Geneva Convention (1863-64) – international

meeting to create rules for “civilized war”meeting to create rules for “civilized war”– Olympic Games revived (1896) to promote Olympic Games revived (1896) to promote

friendship among nationsfriendship among nations• Organized by Baron Pierre de Coubertain (FR)Organized by Baron Pierre de Coubertain (FR)

• But countries were heavily armed & had But countries were heavily armed & had scores to settlescores to settle– Many looking to get it on & over withMany looking to get it on & over with

The Schlieffen PlanThe Schlieffen Plan• Germans plan to invade Germans plan to invade

France through neutral France through neutral BelgiumBelgium

• Plan: knock out FR before Plan: knock out FR before RUS fully mobilizesRUS fully mobilizes

• Unexpected resistance by Unexpected resistance by BEL delays GermansBEL delays Germans

• Fighting bogs down at Fighting bogs down at Marne River outside ParisMarne River outside Paris

• RUS attacks GER at Battle RUS attacks GER at Battle of Tannenberg – big loss for of Tannenberg – big loss for RUS but Ger forces splitRUS but Ger forces split

The Stalemate of Trench WarfareThe Stalemate of Trench Warfare• After Battle of the Marne, a stalemate After Battle of the Marne, a stalemate

developed on the Western Frontdeveloped on the Western Front

• Both sides dug elaborate trench systems, Both sides dug elaborate trench systems, eventually running from SWI to Eng. Channeleventually running from SWI to Eng. Channel– Throughout rest of war, battle lines rarely moved Throughout rest of war, battle lines rarely moved

more than a few milesmore than a few miles– Land between trenches called No Man’s LandLand between trenches called No Man’s Land

• 10/1914 – Ottomans joined Central Powers10/1914 – Ottomans joined Central Powers– Cut off Russia from alliesCut off Russia from allies

• 1915 – Italy joined allies after promises of 1915 – Italy joined allies after promises of land & colonies to be taken from Austrialand & colonies to be taken from Austria

Gallipoli (4/1915 – 1/1916)Gallipoli (4/1915 – 1/1916)• Allies created 3Allies created 3rdrd front against Ottomans front against Ottomans

– Trying to create alternative to stalemate in FranceTrying to create alternative to stalemate in France

• Fighting for control of Dardanelle Strait btwn Fighting for control of Dardanelle Strait btwn Med and Black SeaMed and Black Sea– Primary supply route for material going to RussiaPrimary supply route for material going to Russia– Allies attacked Ottomans at Gallipoli PeninsulaAllies attacked Ottomans at Gallipoli Peninsula

• Gallipoli campaign a failure other than Gallipoli campaign a failure other than creating a diversioncreating a diversion– British sacrificed Australians & others in suicidal British sacrificed Australians & others in suicidal

assaults on heavily defended positionsassaults on heavily defended positions

• Allies were successful in protecting Suez Allies were successful in protecting Suez CanalCanal

The Alliances & the LossesThe Alliances & the Losses

• 31 Nations involved in one way or another31 Nations involved in one way or another• 8.5 million military personnel dead8.5 million military personnel dead• 70% casualty rate for Central Powers70% casualty rate for Central Powers• 52% for Allies52% for Allies• Germany lost most (1.8 million)Germany lost most (1.8 million)

– U.S. lost 126,000U.S. lost 126,000

The Central Powers(Formerly the Triple Alliance)

GermanyAustria-HungaryOttoman EmpireBulgaria

The Allies(Formerly the Triple Entente)

FranceRussiaGreat BritainItalyJapanThe United States

Key BattlesKey Battles• Battle of Verdun – 1916Battle of Verdun – 1916

– A German offensiveA German offensive– 700,000 casualties700,000 casualties– Neither side gained any ground when the battle Neither side gained any ground when the battle

was overwas over• Battle of the Somme – 1916Battle of the Somme – 1916

– An Allied offensiveAn Allied offensive– 500,000 casualties500,000 casualties– First use of tanks in battleFirst use of tanks in battle

• Battle of Ypres – 1916Battle of Ypres – 1916– 400,000 casualties400,000 casualties– First use of poison gasFirst use of poison gas

• Trench warfare changed how people viewed Trench warfare changed how people viewed the war – HORROR!the war – HORROR!

Unrestricted Submarine WarfareUnrestricted Submarine Warfare• German submarines ravaged allied shippingGerman submarines ravaged allied shipping

– Germans trying to cut supply lines of GB & FRGermans trying to cut supply lines of GB & FR

• Merchant & civilian ships became targetsMerchant & civilian ships became targets– Neutral countries not immune to attacksNeutral countries not immune to attacks

• Sinking of Lusitania was a dramatic exampleSinking of Lusitania was a dramatic example– May 7, 1915 – luxury liner sunk by German U-May 7, 1915 – luxury liner sunk by German U-

boat off coast of Irelandboat off coast of Ireland– 1198 dead including 128 Americans1198 dead including 128 Americans

• Severely damages U.S./German relationsSeverely damages U.S./German relations– A leading factor in U.S. decision to join warA leading factor in U.S. decision to join war

The Eastern FrontThe Eastern Front• Russians faced Central Powers alone in eastRussians faced Central Powers alone in east

– Helped Western allies because Central Powers armies Helped Western allies because Central Powers armies were dividedwere divided

• Russians suffered incredible lossesRussians suffered incredible losses– Armies poorly trained, equipped, & ledArmies poorly trained, equipped, & led– Germans pushed deep into RussiaGermans pushed deep into Russia

• Senseless loss of Russian lives was a contributing Senseless loss of Russian lives was a contributing factor leading to the Russian Revolutionfactor leading to the Russian Revolution

• Communists promised to pull Russia out of war (& Communists promised to pull Russia out of war (& did in 1918)did in 1918)– Treaty of Brest-Litovsk – March 1918Treaty of Brest-Litovsk – March 1918– No more second frontNo more second front

Russian Revolution - 1917Russian Revolution - 1917• Social conditions in Russia bad before warSocial conditions in Russia bad before war

– Extreme hardship of war was the breaking pointExtreme hardship of war was the breaking point

• Communists gained greater influenceCommunists gained greater influence• Rioting in Feb. 1917 resulted in abdication of Rioting in Feb. 1917 resulted in abdication of

Nicholas II Nicholas II • Provisional Govt. set up by Alexander Provisional Govt. set up by Alexander

Kerensky – a moderate looking to set up Kerensky – a moderate looking to set up constitutional govt.constitutional govt.

• Kerensky’s willingness to continue fighting Kerensky’s willingness to continue fighting war leads to second revolution by Bolshevikswar leads to second revolution by Bolsheviks– Germans smuggled in Vladimir Lenin from exileGermans smuggled in Vladimir Lenin from exile

Russian Revolution - 1917Russian Revolution - 1917• Bolsheviks appealed to people’s fear of return Bolsheviks appealed to people’s fear of return

of Czar & continuation of warof Czar & continuation of war• Lenin promised “Peace, Land, and Bread”Lenin promised “Peace, Land, and Bread”• By October 1917, Provisional Govt. no longer By October 1917, Provisional Govt. no longer

had support of the Soviets (elected councils had support of the Soviets (elected councils of workers) in the citiesof workers) in the cities– Had no loyal troops to support it eitherHad no loyal troops to support it either

• Bolsheviks took over in a bloodless 2Bolsheviks took over in a bloodless 2ndnd revolt revolt• Lenin followed through on promise to pull out Lenin followed through on promise to pull out

of war – Allies angry & hoped to get RUS of war – Allies angry & hoped to get RUS back into war on their sideback into war on their side

Russian Civil War (1918-20)Russian Civil War (1918-20)

• Reds (Communists) vs. Whites (anti-Comms)Reds (Communists) vs. Whites (anti-Comms)• Whites not united under one leaderWhites not united under one leader• Despite help from West – Whites failDespite help from West – Whites fail• Bolsheviks became Communist Party in 3/18Bolsheviks became Communist Party in 3/18• Anyone who wanted power or influence had Anyone who wanted power or influence had

to become a member of the partyto become a member of the party• Problem: Russia a mess after WWI & civil warProblem: Russia a mess after WWI & civil war• Had to find a way to kick-start the economyHad to find a way to kick-start the economy• Lenin’s answer – New Economic Plan (NEP)Lenin’s answer – New Economic Plan (NEP)

– Allowed some capitalism to get economy goingAllowed some capitalism to get economy going

Josef StalinJosef Stalin• Lenin died 1924 – Josef Stalin & Leon Trotsky rivals Lenin died 1924 – Josef Stalin & Leon Trotsky rivals

as his replacementas his replacement– Trotsky father of Red ArmyTrotsky father of Red Army– Stalin head of Communist PartyStalin head of Communist Party

• Prior to death, Lenin warned of Stalin’s treacheryPrior to death, Lenin warned of Stalin’s treachery– Stalin successfully out-manuevered TrotskyStalin successfully out-manuevered Trotsky– 1929 – Stalin became undisputed leader1929 – Stalin became undisputed leader

• Trotsky murdered while hiding in Mexico CityTrotsky murdered while hiding in Mexico City

• Stalin started 5-Year Plan(s) to rapidly industrialize & Stalin started 5-Year Plan(s) to rapidly industrialize & collectivize agriculturecollectivize agriculture

• Mostly successful but those who resisted (millions) Mostly successful but those who resisted (millions) were purged by Stalinwere purged by Stalin– Purges kill peasants, “Old” Bolsheviks, & Red Army OfficersPurges kill peasants, “Old” Bolsheviks, & Red Army Officers

Revolutionary Russia saw a number of prominent Revolutionary Russia saw a number of prominent leaders. During the 1st Russian Revolution of leaders. During the 1st Russian Revolution of

1917, Alexander Kerensky (top left) emerged as 1917, Alexander Kerensky (top left) emerged as the leader of the Provisional Govt. He was the leader of the Provisional Govt. He was

overthrown by Vladimir Lenin (top center). Upon overthrown by Vladimir Lenin (top center). Upon Lenin’s death, a rivalry raged between Josef Stalin Lenin’s death, a rivalry raged between Josef Stalin

(left), head of the Communist Party, and Leon (left), head of the Communist Party, and Leon Trotsky (top right), head of the Red Army. Stalin Trotsky (top right), head of the Red Army. Stalin emerged as the new leader of the Soviet Union.emerged as the new leader of the Soviet Union.

U.S. Entry into the WarU.S. Entry into the War• U.S. was isolationist – didn’t want to fightU.S. was isolationist – didn’t want to fight• Several factors led to U.S. entrySeveral factors led to U.S. entry

– Unrestricted Submarine warfareUnrestricted Submarine warfare– Desire to ensure payment of loans to AlliesDesire to ensure payment of loans to Allies– And…..And…..

• Zimmerman Telegram - GER tried to get Mexico to Zimmerman Telegram - GER tried to get Mexico to attack U.S. & keep U.S. from Eur.attack U.S. & keep U.S. from Eur.

• Americans outraged – Wilson declared war on April Americans outraged – Wilson declared war on April 6, 19176, 1917

• American Expeditionary Force (AEF) led by General American Expeditionary Force (AEF) led by General John PershingJohn Pershing– U.S. Forces play no significant part until Spring ‘18U.S. Forces play no significant part until Spring ‘18

The Final ShowdownThe Final Showdown• With Russia out, Ger focused on WestWith Russia out, Ger focused on West• Needed knock-out before Americans arrivedNeeded knock-out before Americans arrived• New offensive in 3/18 nearly captured ParisNew offensive in 3/18 nearly captured Paris

– Allies held & stalled German advanceAllies held & stalled German advance– By that time, German army using boys & old menBy that time, German army using boys & old men

• U.S. troops arrived w/ 250K fresh men & U.S. troops arrived w/ 250K fresh men & equip.equip.

• Started counter offensive in 8/18 under Started counter offensive in 8/18 under French General Ferdinand FochFrench General Ferdinand Foch– Tanks used effectively for 1Tanks used effectively for 1stst time in war time in war– Drove Germans back to their borderDrove Germans back to their border

Central Powers CrumbledCentral Powers Crumbled• Bulgaria surrendered 9/1918Bulgaria surrendered 9/1918

• Ottomans – 10/1918Ottomans – 10/1918

• Austrians surrender 11/1918 after a Austrians surrender 11/1918 after a revolution dethroned Hapsburg rulerrevolution dethroned Hapsburg ruler

• 11/9/18 – Kaiser William II abdicates11/9/18 – Kaiser William II abdicates

• New German govt. – Weimar RepublicNew German govt. – Weimar Republic– Weimar reps sign armistice agreement in rail car Weimar reps sign armistice agreement in rail car

in French forestin French forest

• Fighting stopped 11 A.M. Nov. 11, 1918Fighting stopped 11 A.M. Nov. 11, 1918– 11th hour of the 11th day of the 1111th hour of the 11th day of the 11 thth month month

Wilson’s Fourteen PointsWilson’s Fourteen Points

• Before end of war (1/1918), Pres. Woodrow Before end of war (1/1918), Pres. Woodrow Wilson presented 14 proposals for lasting Wilson presented 14 proposals for lasting peace after the warpeace after the war

• Called for “Peace without victory”Called for “Peace without victory”– Do not punish losers harshly or they will want Do not punish losers harshly or they will want

revenge & eventually go to war againrevenge & eventually go to war again

• Brought proposals to Versailles, FR peace Brought proposals to Versailles, FR peace conferenceconference

• Wilson looking for peaceful end to warWilson looking for peaceful end to war

• Allied leaders more interested in revengeAllied leaders more interested in revenge

The Big FourThe Big Four• Great Britain – David Lloyd GeorgeGreat Britain – David Lloyd George

• France – Georges ClemenceauFrance – Georges Clemenceau

• United States – Woodrow WilsonUnited States – Woodrow Wilson

• Italy – Vittorio OrlandoItaly – Vittorio Orlando

• 12 nations took part but Big Four dominated12 nations took part but Big Four dominated

• Russia not invited to VersaillesRussia not invited to Versailles

• None of the losers of the war took part in None of the losers of the war took part in talkstalks

• Lots of conflicting goals - mostly over territoryLots of conflicting goals - mostly over territory

Treaty of VersaillesTreaty of Versailles

• Very harsh treaty – included only one of Very harsh treaty – included only one of Wilson’s 14 PointsWilson’s 14 Points

• Point 14 – formation of League of NationsPoint 14 – formation of League of Nations– A U.N.-like organization meant to bring about A U.N.-like organization meant to bring about

negotiated peace, rather than warnegotiated peace, rather than war

• Clearly meant to punish GermanyClearly meant to punish Germany

• Germany lost 13% of its land and 10% of its Germany lost 13% of its land and 10% of its population after borders redrawnpopulation after borders redrawn– 50% of Germany’s coal mines given away50% of Germany’s coal mines given away– Colonies in Af. & Pacific given to FR, GB, JapanColonies in Af. & Pacific given to FR, GB, Japan

Treaty of VersaillesTreaty of Versailles• Germany’s military limited by treatyGermany’s military limited by treaty

– 100K soldiers in army100K soldiers in army– No troops in Rhineland (border region w/ No troops in Rhineland (border region w/

France)France)– Reduced navy (only 24 ships)Reduced navy (only 24 ships)– No submarines or air forceNo submarines or air force

• Germany had to accept sole blame for Germany had to accept sole blame for the warthe war– Called the “war guilt clause”Called the “war guilt clause”

• Germany had to pay reparations to the Germany had to pay reparations to the AlliesAllies– Reparations = compensation for cost of the Reparations = compensation for cost of the

warwar– Over $31 billion to be paid over 30 years Over $31 billion to be paid over 30 years

The War to End All Wars?The War to End All Wars?• Treaties w/ other Central Powers also harshTreaties w/ other Central Powers also harsh

• Ottoman Empire reduced to what is now TurkeyOttoman Empire reduced to what is now Turkey

• Austria-Hungary split upAustria-Hungary split up– New countries of Poland & Czechoslovakia formedNew countries of Poland & Czechoslovakia formed– Sudetenland in Czech. contained 3 million GermansSudetenland in Czech. contained 3 million Germans

• Austria (now small & mostly German-speaking) Austria (now small & mostly German-speaking) not allowed to unify w/ Germanynot allowed to unify w/ Germany– Anschluss – German word for union Anschluss – German word for union

• Russia given some land lost to Ger but the rest Russia given some land lost to Ger but the rest used to set up buffer countries (against spread used to set up buffer countries (against spread of communism)of communism)

The War to End All Wars?The War to End All Wars?• Treaty of Versailles signed 6/28/19 Treaty of Versailles signed 6/28/19

– Germany had no choice– Germany had no choice

• U.S. Congress rejected the treaty – U.S. Congress rejected the treaty – Wilson failed to win supportWilson failed to win support

• Americans did not want to be a part Americans did not want to be a part of League of Nationsof League of Nations

• U.S. returns to isolationismU.S. returns to isolationism

The Great War

Social Cost8.5 million soldiers dead20 million wounded5 million civilians dead from war, famine & diseaseLegacy of hatred, intolerance & extreme nationalism

Economic CostWar cost $350 billionHigher taxes & lower standards of livingReduced international tradeRise of CommunismWorld-wide depression

Political CostEnd of 3 dynasties – Hohenzollerns of Germany, Hapsburgs of Austria-Hungary, Romanovs of RussiaNew nations created that contained minority ethnic or linguistic groupsRise of dictatorships in Russia, Italy, & GermanyLeague of Nations formed to solve intl. problems and advance world peace but was weakU.S. emerged as a leading power but was reluctant to accept international responsibilities