US.26 Explain the causes of World War I in 1914 and the reasons for the initial declaration of United States’ neutrality. (G, H, P)
US.27 Justify with supporting detail from text, the reasons for American entry into World War I, including the use of unrestricted submarine warfare by the Germans, the Zimmermann Note, the defense of democracy, and economic motivations. (E, H, P).
17. (US.26,27) World War I: Causes and American Involvement
a. Causes of WW1
b. Reasons for US neutrality
c. Reasons US joined the War
d. German Submarine Warfare
e. Zimmerman Note
f. Defense of Democracy
g. Economic Motivations
War in Europe
On June 28, 1914, young Serbian nationalist Gavrilo Princip assassinated Austrian Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife Sofia in hopes of uniting the Slavic peoples. Instead, Princip lit the fuse of World War I, otherwise known as the Great War.
Political fires had been smoldering for several years in Europe. France, Great Britain, Spain, Portugal, Germany, and the United States had all successfully colonized foreign lands. Imperialism had created vast empires, increasing competition for more territory and greater economic gain. European nations also competed for military might as a way to protect colonial holdings against their rivals. Such militarism led Great Britain, France, and Germany to build large armies. Adding to international tensions were strong feelings of nationalism. Intense loyalty to one's country or ethnic group led to demands for independence from foreign rule. Finally, as insurance against foreign interference, European nations established strong alliances. These protective agreements set the stage for war, as one country after another aligned itself for the battle to come. On one side were the Allied Powers - Great Britain, France, Italy, Russia, Japan, and eventually the United States. On the other side were the Central Powers - Germany, Austria-Hungary, and the Ottoman Empire.
Many Americans believed in isolationism, that is, that the nation should remain isolated from European conflict. President Woodrow Wilson agreed with American neutrality. With a third of the country's population either foreign born or the children of immigrants, he also encouraged Americans to remain neutral.
Stories of the horrors of war were part of the propaganda used by various sides to turn American opinion. Though Wilson believed a German victory would be extremely harmful to democracy, he allowed war loans to both the Central and Allied Powers. In turn, American companies benefited from trade in munitions and other supplies with several European nations.
The Royal Navy boarded American ships at sea and confiscated all cargo headed for German ports, enforcing the British blockade of goods intended for Germany. Money borrowed from the United States by European countries, in particular France, boosted the American economy and bolstered support for the Allied Powers, though America remained politically neutral.