Heimler's History: World War I Overview

Background and Alliances

Start of WWI: Erupted in Europe in July 1914 after the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand.
Major Alliances:
- Allied Powers (Triple Entente): Britain, Russia, France.
- Central Powers (Triple Alliance): Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy.

Initial Stance: The United States maintained neutrality.
Key Events Leading to U.S. Involvement:
1. Sinking of the Lusitania (1915): German submarines sank a passenger ship, killing 128 Americans, causing public outrage.
2. Unrestricted Submarine Warfare: Germany resumed sinking all ships in the war zone, including American ships.
3. Zimmermann Telegram: Intercepted communication from Germany to Mexico proposing an alliance against the U.S. This led to a U.S. declaration of war on April 2, 1917.

Limited Role: War lasted 20 more months after U.S. entry.
American Expeditionary Forces (AEF): Commanded by John J. Pershing. Initially supported French and British lines, later took command of the western front portion.
Impact: U.S. entry helped tip the balance in favor of the Allies.

End of the War: Officially ended on November 11, 1918.
Woodrow Wilson's Vision:
- Aimed to "make the world safe for democracy."
- Proposed the Fourteen Points:
  - Freedom of the seas.
  - Self-determination of nations.
  - Establishment of the League of Nations: Aimed to resolve conflicts diplomatically.
Challenges:
- Wilson contracted the Spanish Flu, inhibiting his ability to negotiate.
- Britain and France imposed heavy penalties on Germany.

Congress's Concerns: Feared the League could lead the U.S. into war without congressional approval.
Outcome: The League was created without U.S. participation.

Conclusion: Wilson's vision for peace was undermined at the Treaty of Versailles and by domestic politics.

Understanding these events is crucial for AP U.S. History Unit 7, Topic 5. For exam preparation, focus on key events and outcomes around U.S. involvement and the Treaty of Versailles.