14.2: World War 1

When war broke out, the US _____ and tried to broker peace.

practiced isolationism

What were the nations part of the Allied Powers?

- France - Britain - Russia - Japan - Serbia - Italy - United States

What were the nations part of the Central Powers?

- Germany - Austria-Hungary - Ottoman Empire - Bulgaria

What were the main causes of the US entry into World War 1?

- In May 1915, German UBoats sunk the commercial ship Lusitania in which many Americans died. - The Zimmerman Telegram was intercepted. - German summaries sunk US merchant ships.

When did the Bulgaria join the war?

1915

When did the Russia exit the war?

1917

When did the United States join the war?

1917

War of Attrition

A war based on wearing down the other side with constant attacks and heavy losses, such as World War 1.

Explain how unrestricted submarine warfare played a role in US entry into the war.

Britain had used its navy to blockade Germany. In return, Germany enforced its own blockade via unrestricted submarine warfare. When German forces sank Lusitania, the US protested and Germany suspended unrestricted submarine warfare. This led to deadlock in the war so Germany again allowed the use of unrestricted submarine warfare.

Study Note

Do not use shuffle; use it in the original order to understand time sequencing.

What was the role of technological advances in the development of the war?

For example, airplanes appeared on the battlefront and were first used to spot the enemy's position. They provided a more intense and direct and indirect combat.

What were zeppelins and what was their fatal flaw?

Germans used zeppelins to bomb London and eastern England. While they caused little damage, it frightened many people. The issue with this type of airship was that they were filled with hydrogen gas, and could be engulfed in flames when hit by antiaircraft guns.

What did Italy claim the purpose of the Triple Alliance was?

Italy claimed that the Triple Alliance was for defensive purposes only and that Germany and Austria-Hungary began the war on offensive purposes.

What were some alliance changes during the war?

Italy signed a secret agreement with France in 1902 to remain neutral.

When did the Italy join the war?

May of 1915

When did the Ottoman Empire join the war?

November of 1914

What were some distinguishing factors of the Eastern Front?

The Eastern Front was marked by mobility, rather than fighting from trenches. As a result however, the cost in lives was great.

Explain the circumstance and situation of the Zimmerman Telegram.

The Zimmermann Telegram intercepted. In it, the German ambassador to Mexico was instructed to offer an alliance if the US appeared ready to enter the war. Mexico would get help reclaiming land lost in Mexican-American War.

What was the main strategy and method of warfare on the Western Front?

The main strategy, the "Schlieffen Plan", called for the German army to surround and defeat most of the French army. It turned into a stalemate due to trench warfare as neither the Germans or French could defeat each other from the trenches they had dug.

Explain how World War 1 became a war of attrition.

World War 1 on the Western Front became a war of attrition as the elaborate system of trenches provided protection for the defensive strategy. However, attacks rarely worked as when men advanced, they could be fired at by the enemy. The great loss of people and resources in these offensive attacks are what define it as a war of attrition.