The Beginning of WW1 by Christian, Jakob, and Jorge

Nationalism Arises

Nationalism

Nationalism is defined as the view that a single country's interests are more important than international collaboration. This belief resulted in rivalry and resentment. It prompted ethnic groups to seek independence for their countries.

Imperialism Arises

Imperialism

Imperialism is the idea that one country has the right to conquer, take over, and influence another. During this time, countries tried to increase their power and influence around the world which led to serious competition and arising tensions.

Militarism Arises

Militarism

Militarism is the building up of armed forced, most likely to prepare for a war. For example, Germany built up the strength of its navy to match up to Britain's. Some countries used their strong armies as a negotiation tactic.

The Alliance System

Alliance System

Some European countries had signed treaties promising to defend one another. The European countries were divided into two groups by these mutual-defense accords. France, Britain, and Russia were the Allies, while Austria-Hungary and the Ottoman Empire were the Central Powers.

Tension Arises

After the assassination, Germany and Austria were facing France, Britain, and Russia. Germany began by invading Belgium. It had planned to take over France and then to attack Russia. The French and the British was not able to save Belgium, but instead, manage to stop them in advance.

Tension Arise

Trench Warfare

Trench warfare, in which armies fight in trenches for limited swaths of terrain, was on the rise. By the spring of 1915, France had created two lines of deep trenches. "No Man's Land" is the space between the two lines. Neither side gained land during the deadly trench combat, which lasted more than three years and claimed the lives of one million troops.

Many naturalized U.S. citizens retained ties to their home nations. Many German immigrants, for example, sympathized with the country. Many naturalized citizens urged the US to remain neutral and organized groups to aid their homeland's causes.

Naturalized Citizens

Before the conflict, socialist movements announced their opposition to a war that they claimed could only result in workers killing 1 other for the benefit of their bosses. When the war was launched, the majority of socialists and trade unions decided to support the government of their country and the war.

Socialists

Pacifists became recognized as conscientious objectors during World War I. Although some pacifists declined to fight, about 7,000 were willing to serve the country by working as medical orderlies, stretcher bearers, ambulance drivers, cooks, or laborers in non-combat positions.

Pacifists

Service partners and families During World War One, people had minimal contact with their loved ones, and when they returned, they often became their physical and emotional caregivers. There are always people who are left behind during a fight. 

Parents

The War Hits Home

War Hits Home

The war significantly altered American shipping. To prevent supplies from passing through, Britain built up a blockade along the German shore. The British blockade would not be challenged by American ships. German U-boats attacked ships from all over the world, killing hundreds of Americans in the process.

The U.S. Declares War

U.S. Declares War

There were 3 main incidents that caused the declaration of war:

• Germany announced it would sink all ships in British waters on sight.
• The interception of the Zimmerman note, a telegram that proposed an alliance between Germany and Mexico against the U.S.
• A change in government which led to Russia removing itself from the conflict.