WWI(World War I)

The Great War

World War I

World War I began when Austria-Hungary’s soon tobe king was assassinated by Serbian Nationalistswhen he visited Bosnia. Serbia wanted Bosnia to join their “team” or form analliance them, NOT with Austria-Hungary.

So… … Austria-Hungary threatened war on Serbia and newalliances were developed throughout Europe

Austria-Hungary vs. Serbia, Russia Germany Great Britain, France

Newly Developed Alliances:

The Central Powers:

Austria-Hungary

Serbia

Russia

The Triple Entente:

Germany

Great Britain

France

Who was President of the United States during WWI? Woodrow Wilson

Why did America get involved in WWI?

German submarines or U-boats were sinking passenger ships from America. Germany suspected these ships were carrying supplies and weapons to Russia, Great Britain, and France.What passenger ship did Germany sink? Lusitania

Were Germany’s suspicions correct? Was the U.S. really sneaking supplies on the Lusitania? YES!!!

Zimmerman Telegram

Arthur Zimmerman, Germany’s foreign minister, sent a secret telegram to Mexico.

What did the telegram ask Mexico to do?

Germany asked Mexico to attack the United States if the U.S. ever attacked Germany.

What did the telegram promise Mexico?

Germany promised Mexico they would help them take back the land Mexico lost to the United States.

Victory in Europe

The first U.S. soldiers reached Europe in 1918 andGermany knew they could not win the war once Americagot involved.

An armistice, or an agreement to STOP fighting wassigned in November 1918.

Treaty of Versailles – forced Germany to take totalblame, pay for the war, and decrease the size of itsmilitary.America did not ratify the treaty because they feared itwould lead to future wars…Do you think it did? WWII maybe???