The Sinking of the Lusitania and the Zimmerman Telegram
The Central Powers and the Allied Powers
Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated on June 28, 1914 by terrorists. This started a global conflict as alliances between nations were formed. Nationalism also played a role in this as people began fighting for their countries, the fighting later became known as World War One.
New Technology/Trench Warfare
The United States became involved in World War One after Great Britain intercepted the Zimmerman Telegram and Germany sank the Lusitania. The Zimmerman Telegram asked Mexico to side against the U.S. and the Lusitania was a civilian passenger ship. These two events angered the U.S. and they declared war on Germany.
The Armistice
The Central Powers included Germany, Austria-Hungary, Bulgaria, and the Ottoman Empire. The Allied Powers included Great Britain, France, The Russian Empire, and The United States. The Allied Powers attempted to crush the Central Powers and create a friendly world, while the Central Powers aimed for more land.
The Treaty of Versailles
We will take the U-Boats!
World War One implemented new weapons and new methods of fighting. A new method of fighting, was trench warfare. Trenches were uncovered tunnels that provided in-ground cover for troops. We also saw toxic gas and flamethrowers for the first time in World War One.
The Armistice that ended World War One was signed on November 11, 1918. The Armistice was signed so the Germans would feel defeated and they could not start another war anytime soon. The Germans lose control of their U-Boats and end their treaty with Russia.
The Treaty of Versailles blamed Germany for starting World War One. Germany was stripped of territory and their military became limited. When negotiating the treaty, President Wilson presented Wilson's 14 Points. These points removed economic trade barriers and created free seas. The League of Nations was established to prevent another war and to give leaders an opportunity to discuss their problems.