Standard 4C

I can identify the causes of World War I and reasons for U.S. entry.

Militarism

Glorifying a nation's military power and value. Increasing military power through an increase in soldiers, weapons, and military technologies.

As you watch the video, think about how militarism can cause countries to go to war with each other.

Alliances

European nations pledged military support for one another resulting in the Allied and Central Powers. (The Allied Powers ae in blue and the Central Powers are in red).

As you watch the video, think about Nationalism can cause conflicts between countries.

Nationalism

Strong feeling of pride in and loyalty to a nation or ethnic group.

Nationalists exaggerate the importance or virtues of their home country, placing its interests above those of other nations.

Imperialism

Acquisition of foreign land for resources and to serve as markets for manufactured goods.

European countries had created vast empires around the world and the want for more resources and land created tensions among the major European powers.

Assassination

The Archduke of Austria-Hungary, Franz Ferdinand, is assassinated by Serbian nationalists. This is the most immediate cause of World War I.

Reasons for U.S. Entry into World War I

While initially neutral, the United States enters the war on the side of the Allies in 1917. Now why does this happen?

Unrestricted Submarine Warfare

In 1915, Germany announces a proclamation to sink any vessels that entered the "official" war zone near the British Isles. This led to unrestricted submarine warfare where German U-Boats (submarines) began to sink any ship whether they were neutral or enemy ships.

Sinking of the Lusitania

On May 7, 1915 Germany U-Boats sink the British ship "the Lusitania". 128 Americans that were on board the ship are killed.

Zimmerman Telegram

The Germans send a telegram to Mexico that is intercepted by the British. In this telegram, Germany proposes an alliance with Mexico to help them win the war and in return, the Germans will help Mexico regain the territories it lost to the United States. The British send the intercepted telegram to the United States which angers the American public.

As you watch this video, make sure to think and reflect about the importance of each reason for entering the war against Germany and the Central Powers.

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