Causes
• Imperialism- colonization was nearly done around the world and the losers were jealous of the winners.
• Militarism- the rise in power of the military leaders led to buildups in weapons and personnel.
• Nationalism- the rise of ethnic groups within borders led to calls for independence.
• Alliances- treaties both public and private led to a tangled web of promises to defend. Germany’s promise to back Austria’s invasion of Serbia led to the start of the war.
Picking Sides
• Central Powers- Germany and Austria-Hungary, Ottoman Empire(Turkey), Bulgaria
• Allies- Russia, France, Serbia, Great Britain, Italy
American Response
• Most Americans favored the Allied Powers
• In order to protect shipping President Wilson declared America to be neutral.
• Americans distrusted Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany because of his opposition to democracy.
Preparedness
• American soldiers started training for combat in 1915 in case of our entry into the war.
US Declaration of War
• After the sinking of three US ships after the Zimmerman note was discovered, the US declared war on Germany on April 6, 1917
American Influence the Outcome
• America turned the tide against Germany on the western front. The US Marines were told to dig no trenches to retreat to and they didn’t!!
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