WWI Causes

M: Towards the beginning of the 20th century, an arms race had begun between different countries. There was a lot of competition between countries to have the biggest increase in military buildup, but by 1914 Germany held that position. Great Britain and Germany both greatly increased their navies in this period and Germany and Russia's military establishments began to have a larger influence on public policy. This increase in militarism helped to push the countries involved in war.

A: Over time, countries throughout Europe made alliances that would ultimately drag them into the war. If one country was attacked, allied countries were prepared to defend them. Before WWI, the following alliances existed: Russia and Serbia, Germany and Austria-Hungary, France and Russia, Britain and France and Belgium, Japan and Britain.

I: The definition of imperialism is when a country increases their power and wealth by brining additional territories under their control. The increasing competition and desire for greater empires led to an increase in confrontation that helped push the world into WWI.

N: Much of the origin of the war is because of nationalism. Each country tried to prove their dominance and power, leading to not only the beginning of the war, but also extending it. There are a couple specific examples of how nationalism helped push Europe countries into war. One being how the Slavic people in Bosnia and Herzegovina no longer wanted to be a part of Austria Hungary, but instead to be part of Serbia. This led directly to WWI.

Spark of war: The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary, is the immediate cause of WWI. In June 1914, a Serbian nationalist assassinated him and his wife in protest to Austria-Hungary having control of the Bosnia region. The murder of Ferdinand and his wife led to Austria-Hungary declaring war on Serbia. This then created the expansion of the war to include all those involved in the mutual defense alliances.

A: Un-restriced Submarine Warfare, May 1st 1915: The problems with un-restricted submarine warfare started when the Lusitania was sunk. This created more tension and problems between the U.S. and Germany.

B: Sinking of the Lusitania, May 1st, 1915: German U-boat sunk the American boat using unrestricted submarine warfare. This didn't sit well with President Woodrow Wilson, but despite this he decided to remain neutral for two more years.

C: Sussex pledge, May 4th, 1916: Germany's U-boats were allowed to destroy practically any ship including merchant ones. Eventually this led to the sinking of the Sussex. The Sussex was a french steamer that was carrying Americans. Because of this, Wilson issued an ultimatum and eventually the Sussex Pledge which limited the German submarine warfare to not shoot down every ship in sight. Despite this, Germany continued with the un-restriced warfare, creating the U.S. to be brought closer to the war.

D: Zimmerman Note, January 16th, 1917: An encrypted telegram message was intercepted by the British that included an offer to Mexico by Germany to attack the U.S. This note angered the United States because they were shocked that Germany would have the audacity to cost the lives of more Americans.

The U.S. proceeded to join WWI.