World War I Begins

1. What are the four main causes of World War I? Give an example for each as to why it was a cause.

The four main causes of WWI were nationalism, imperialism, militarism, the formation of the Alliance System. Nationalism was a cause because it often led to intense competition between countries and rivalries, for example, other European countries were afraid of Germany's growing power. Imperialism was a cause because as Germany industrialized it competed with France and Britain for control over colonies. Militarism was the development of armed forces as a mean of diplomacy, with all the countries building bigger armies, more weapons, greater navies ect. Britain was originally not intimidated by Germany but as Germany expanded its naval force they became more fearful.

2. How did the June 1914 assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand become the spark for WWI?

Austria-Hungary was so furious at Serbia that they wanted to go to war with them, so they asked for Germany's permission because Germany was also one of the central powers. Germany said yes because Austria-Hungary thought it would be a quick and easy war. However, Russia felt the need to come to Serbia's aid, turning the war into much more of a power struggle. Germany came to assist Austria-Hungary. Britain and France, also allies with Russia joined in the fight to help Russia.

3. What happened within the first few months of fighting?

During the first few months of fighting, Germany attempted to launch the Schleiffen Plan and invaded Belgium. The French were unable to save Belgium, so instead they halted the Germans at the Marne river. Neither side was able to outflank the other side and as a result trench systems were developed.

4. Generally, why did the United States want to stay out of the war?

The war did not directly affect American lives or property, some believed that war was evil, others did not want their sons exposed to the horrors of modern warfare.


5. Specifically, Why did the following groups of Americans tend to oppose U.S. participation in the war? Naturalized citizens; socialists; pacifists; parents.

Naturalized citizens often still felt connected with the countries from which they emigrated, socialists saw it as a capitalist struggle between Britain and Germany, pacifists believed that was was evil and morally wrong, parents did not want their sons to have to be exposed to the brutality of war.

6. How did Germany respond to the British naval blockade of Germany’s ports? What was the U.S. response?

Germany responded with a counter-blockade using uboats (submarines) which attacked all ships even unarmed merchant ships. The U.S. was angered by the british blockade because it hindered their trade with great britain and france. However, when Germans began sinking ships with U.S. citizens on board and Americans became outraged and determined to destroy the Central Powers.


7. What forced the United States into the war?

When Germany ignored Wilson's peaceful efforts and announced that it would sink all ships in the water, neutral or not.