U.S. and WWI

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U.S. and WWI

• Class Notes

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Beginning of WWI started off as a small conflict
between the countries of Serbia and
Austria-Hungary.
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The Domino Effect
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• Many European countries were dragged into the war
  because of secret treaties and alliances.
• U.S. policy was one of isolationism versus
  imperialism from previous decades.
• U.S. allied with Great Britain, France, and
  Russia because of strong immigration ties.

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U.S. Trade with Germany and Allied Countries
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Politics and Economy

• Germany upset with U.S. claim of neutrality
• U.S. becomes fastest growing economy in the
  world-leads to superpower status

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German Warfare

• Germany begins unrestricted submarine warfare.
• Germany sinks British passenger liner called the
  Lusitania killing 1200 of 2000 people aboard (128
  Americans).
• Germany promises to stop sub attacks if England
  stops naval blockade in North Sea.

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Zimmermann Telegram

• Germany asks Mexico to invade the U.S.
• Germany promises Mexico land in return for their
  help.
• U.S. intercepts telegram and U.S. is prepared for
  war with Germany.

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General Information

• WWI lasted from 1914-1918.
• U.S. only in war for 18 months.
• U.S. industrial power was too strong to defeat.

• Trench Warfare.
• Both sides dug in and fought over small plots of
  land.
• Military tactics fell behind technology-20th
  century war using 19th century tactics.

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Primary Sources

• http//www.firstworldwar.com/source/zimmermann.htm
  zimmermann20telegram
• http//www.geocities.com/Athens?Acropolis/2354/som
  me.html
• http//www.firstworldwar.com/diaries/gasattackatyp
  res.htm

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Vocabulary

• Isolationism-A policy of not participating in or
  withdrawing from international affairs,
  especially as practiced by US governments during
  the first half of the 20th century.
• Imperialism-The practice of one country extending
  its control over the territory, political system,
  or economic life of another country.