World War I
A conflict that involved nearly all major nations of the world and was so destructive that the people of the
time called it the Great War.
1914-1918
[ Family Pictures ]
The March Toward War
The Growth of Militarism Definition: The glorification of armed strength. Belief: Only force would solve problems among
nations. Ex. Prussia “Iron and Blood” Consequences:
Arms race begins – Nations stockpile weapons Conscription – compulsory service in the military
creates large, well-trained armies Mobilization – readying its armies and resources for
war could trigger a chain reaction. Military leaders created complex war plans or scenarios.
[ Images: HMS Dreadnought, 1906 / Map of Europe]
The March Toward War
Entangling Alliances Germany’s Otto von Bismarck believes
France will seek revenge for its 1871 defeat. Bismarck seeks to isolate and keep France
without allies through a series of treaties1881 – Three Emperor’s League: Germany,
Russia, Austria-Hungary1882 – Triple-Alliance: Germany, Italy,
Austria-Hungary, Russia1887 – Reinsurance Treaty: Germany and
Russia reinforce ties without the others.
The March Toward War Shifting Alliances Threaten Peace
Kaiser Wilhelm II becomes German ruler in 1888
Foreign policy changes begin in 1890 with dismissal of Bismarck alliance with Russia dropped; Russia then allies with
France in 1894 effort to strengthen German navy; alarms Britain.
Britain, France, Russia form Triple Ententealliance in 1907
DANGER: All six nations could become involved in a war
[ Map of Alliances, 1914 ]
The March Toward War
Imperialism A country’s perceived strength tied to number
of territories controlled. Highly competitive; generates mistrust.
Nationalism Fierce pride and loyalty led to competition
between nations and militarism. Nationalities trying to create nations for their
own people – generates tension.
The March Toward War The Balkan “Powder Keg”
Nationalism in the Balkans leads many groups to demand independence.
1878 – Serbia wins independence from the Ottoman Empire; desires Bosnia-Herzegovina
1908 – Austria-Hungarian Empire annexes Bosnia; angers Serbia
Pan-Slavism – nationalist movement to unite all Slavs under Russian leadership; supports Serbia.
Germany plans railroad Berlin to Baghdad; threatens British interests.
[The “Spark” Video clip ]
The March Toward War Assassination at
Sarajevo “The Spark” – June 28,
1914 Gavrilo Princip, member of
the Black Hand, assassinated the Austrian Archduke Francis Ferdinand and his wife.
“Blank Check” - Germany promises to back to Austria-Hungary.
Sophia and Francis Ferdinand
Gavrilo Princip
The March Toward War Austria-Hungary’s Ultimatum to
Serbia1. Serbia to condemn all propaganda against
Austria.2. Serbia to ban from school books and teachers
who did not support Austria.3. Serbia dismiss all officials who had promoted
propaganda against Austria4. Allow Austrian officials to participate in
proceedings against the accused. Accept or Face War.
The Great War Begins Troops on the Move
Russia moves its troops to its borders along Germany and Austria
Germany declares war on Russia and initiates the Schlieffen Plan to quickly take out France.
French Plan XVII Germany invades
neutral Belgium; Britain declares war.
“You’ll be home before the leaves have fallen from the
trees.” Kaiser Wilhelm II
The Great War Begins
Nations Take Sides Central Powers: Germany, Austria-Hungary,
Ottoman Empire, Bulgaria Allied Powers: Great Britain, France, Russia,
Italy
The War, 1914 - 1916 Early Events
Western Front—heavy battle zone in northern France
German army quickly advances to outskirts of Paris
Germans forced to retreat at First Battle of the Marne (Sept. 1914)
Schlieffen Plan fails; Germany has to fight two-front war
[ Battles Map Interactive ]
The War, 1914 - 1916
Trench Warfare on the Western Front Conflict descends into trench warfare from the
border of Switzerland to the North Sea Battles result in many deaths, small land gains Life in trenches is miserable, difficult,
unsanitary [ website ] A war of attrition – who will give up first? Massive losses (800,000+) for both sides at
1916 battles of Verdun and Somme
[Verdun 2 / Ypres / The Christmas Truce 1914 - Belleau WoodsLyrics / Christmas in the Trenches - 1914 ]
Innovations in Warfare
Weaponry of World War I An Industrialized War Machine Gun use led to
Trenches Tanks – cross trenches and
barbed wire Airplanes – observations /
dogfights U-boats – submarine warfare Poison Gas
[ Resources: Poison Gas / Tanks / Dulce et Decorum Est – Video / John Singer Sargent – Gassed 1918-1919
(Red Baron / 2)
The War, 1914 - 1916
On the Eastern Front Russians mobilize and attack
at Tannenberg (Late Aug. 1914); Germany wins.
Russian war effort struggles by 1916; heavy casualties and lack of supplies
Huge size of army keeps the Russians a formidable power
Keeps Germans at two fronts [ Tannenberg Video ]
The War, 1914 - 1916
The Gallipoli Campaign [ Map ] Allies move to capture Ottoman Dardanelles
strait in February 1915 Also want to open a supply line through region
to Russia past the Ottoman Empire, a Central Powers ally
Effort ends in costly Allied defeat
Battles in Africa and Asia Allies take control of German holdings in Asia,
Africa Britain and France use their colonial subjects
to help in war effort
On the Home Front
Governments Wage Total War World War I becomes total war—nations
devote all resources to war Governments take control of economy to
produce war goods Nations turn to rationing—limiting purchases
of war-related goods Propaganda
[ World War I Propaganda: Posters / Music / “Over There” /Propaganda Video ]
Women and the War
Women and the War At home, thousands of
women fill jobs previously held by men
Many women also experience the war by working as nurses
How does this impact women?
The War, 1917 - 1918
Naval Warfare Germany seeks to control Atlantic Ocean to
stop supplies to Britain Uses unrestricted submarine warfare -
ships near Britain sunk without warning Halts policy in 1915, after sinking of Lusitania
angers U.S. Battle of Jutland (1916) – Both sides claimed
victory, but German fleet retired to port. Renews unrestricted policy in 1917, hopes to
starve Britain quickly
The War, 1917 - 1918 America Joins the War
Trades with the belligerents, but remains neutral.
Zimmermann Telegraph(1917) – Secret attempt to enlist Mexico; angers U.S.
U.S. declares war against Germany in April 1917, joining the Allies
President Woodrow Wilson, “The world must be made safe for democracy.”
The War, 1917 - 1918
Russia Withdraws Weary of staggering losses
and hardships at home. Civil unrest in Russia forces
czar to step down from throne in March 1917
Communists soon take control of Russia’s government
Russia signs the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk with Germany in March 1918, pulls out of war
The War, 1917 - 1918
Defeat of the Central Powers Germans move troops to the Western Front
and attempt to take Paris before the Americans arrive
Germans are stopped at the Battle of Chateau-Thierry (June 1918)
Allied offensives at Saint-Mihiel and in the Argonne Forest forced the enemy back to the German border (July 1918)
One by one the Central Power allies asked for peace
The War, 1917 - 1918 An End to Fighting
Armistice signed on November 11, 1918
Treaty of Brest-Litovsk terms cancelled.
Germany surrender its submarines and large part of surface fleet.
Release all war prisoners Turn over all munitions Allies occupy area west of the
Rhine River[ Remembrance Day Music By
Bryan Adams]
The Aftermath
The Costs of War War takes heavy toll: 8.5 million soldiers dead,
21 million wounded War devastates European economies, drains
national treasuries ($300 Billion) Many acres of land and homes, villages, towns
destroyed Survivors suffer disillusionment and despair;
reflected in the arts
[ Costs of War Graphic / Video ]
Terms of a Flawed Peace The Big Four dominate peace
talks at Paris: U.S. president Woodrow Wilson French ruler Georges Clemenceau David Lloyd George of Great Britain Vittorio Orlando of Italy
Problems Facing Peacemakers Claims of independence Conflicting territorial claims Reparations Peacekeeping
Terms of a Flawed Peace
The Versailles Treaty, June 1919 Britain, France oppose Wilson’s ideas; want to
punish Germany creates League of Nations blames Germans for war, forces Germany to pay
damages to nations (unspecified amount) Severe restrictions placed on German military. Occupation of the Saar Valley; loss of other
territories League to rule German colonies until deemed ready
for independence
Terms of a Flawed Peace The Creation of New Nations
Austria-Hungary, Bulgaria, Ottoman Turks, and Germans all lose lands.
New Map of Europe
Lasting Resentment: Germans angry for taking blame Japan, Italy left without desired territories Some former colonies angered for not gaining
independence America never signs the Treaty of Versailles.
The War, 1917 - 1918 The Fourteen Points (Jan 1918)
President Woodrow Wilson’s plan for lasting peace and self-determination. 1) No secret treaties 2) Freedom of the seas for all nations 3) Removal of all economic barriers or tariffs 4) Reduction of national armaments 5) Fair adjustment of all colonial territories – equal
consideration to both sides. 14) Establishment of “a general association of
nations.” to guarantee political independence and protection for large and small states.
Most people were impressed.