Causes of war:

The system of alliances:

• The Triple Alliance of Germany (Austria-Hungary and Italy)
• The Triple Entente of Britain (Russia and France)

Any countries having conflict led to other countries becoming involved because of the alliance system

Militarism:

• Military spending increases substantially in the year leading up to 1914
• Building up of weapons created an increase in distrust

Nationalism:

*Weltpolitik: desire for word power status*

• Germany: Weltpolitik
• France: revenge over Alace and Lorraine
• Britain: imperialism

*Nationalism led to little resistance who war in European Countries*

The Crises Before 1914:

*3 major crises between great powers between 1900 and 1914*

1. First Moroccan Crisis
2. Second Moroccan Crises
3. The Annexation of Bonsia-Herzogoving

Domestic Issues:

Ruling class in the countries hoped a short victories war would end class differences

Eastern Question & the Balkans:

• The Austrians waged. "Preventative war" against Serbia in order to destroy its growing power
• When Ferdinand was shot, the Austrians saw it as an opportunity to destroy Serbia

Causes for entry into the war:

• In 1915, a German submarine blew up a British passenger ship carrying 128 Americans
• Germany was seen as the dictators against all democracies

Profile of an American soldier

• Most ranged anywhere from 18-45
• Majority were untrained
• At first, only volunteers were accepted, but a draft later became necessary, most American soldiers were drafted

Battle Summary: Verdun

• February 21- December 18 1916
• Fought on the Western front between Germany and France
• North hill of Verdun
• Germany attempted to take the Muese Territory, but the French recovered it
• France recovered Fort Douamont and Fort Vaux
• Total casualties: about 714, 231 (377,231 French & 337,000 Germans)
• Lasted 303 days
• One of the longest, most costly battles of WW1

The Homefront:

Because able bodied white males had gone to war, women and African Americans took their place at home.

Some things Americans on the Homefront did to help win the war was:

• Worked in factories
• Produced ammo and other military products
• Produced things for the household
• Tended to sick & wounded soldiers
• Nursed
• Recruited more soldiers
• Bought Liberty bonds
• Boycotted material and foods to conserve for the soldiers
• Joined organizations (ex. Red Cross)
• Promoted war gardens