World War I and American Involvement

Long Term Causes of World War I #56

Four long term causes of World War I in Europe

1. Nationalism - Feelings of national unity and national pride - Placing national interests above cooperation - A foreign policy guided by self-interest

Both Italy and Germany had recently completed “Unification” - Becoming the countries we know today

The Austro-Hungarian Empire contained many ethnic groups - Czechs, Slovaks, Croats, Serbs, and Poles o Each wanting an independent homeland

2. Imperialism - Expanding industrialization - Competition for markets - Conflicts between countries in establishing colonies

3. Militarism - Nationalism and imperialism required strong militaries o Stronger than those of their competitors or enemies

The most famous arms race was between Britain and Germany - Each was building larger and more powerful weapons o Larger guns (artillery) o Larger Dreadnoughts (battleships) . Bigger guns, more armor 4. Entangling Web of Alliances - The countries of Europe had signed defensive treaties o Or alliances with friendly countries . To protect themselves from hostile countries - If one country in an alliance was attacked o The other countries of the alliance . Would be obligated to come to their defense

Two major alliances ruled Europe Triple Alliance – started in 1882 – known as the Central Powers - Germany, Austria-Hungary and Italy o Italy will leave alliance in 1915 . And be replaced by the Ottoman Empire (Turkey)

Triple Entente – started in 1907 – known as the Allies - France, Great Britain and Russia o Russia had a secret defensive alliance with Serbia

The US considered itself neutral - Americans felt they were different o Separate from Europe geographically and morally

America was selling supplies and lending money - To both the Allies and the Central Powers

Unofficial sympathies of the American people varied - Those of English ancestry supported the British - Those of Irish ancestry were against the British - Many immigrants were of German descent

Our alliance with France and Great Britain was not inevitable - Britain was the first to challenge American neutrality o They established a blockade of mainland Europe . And intercepted American shipping