Heimler's History: World War I Overview

Introduction

• Focus on Unit 7 of the AP U.S. History curriculum
• Discussing World War I, specifically the fighting and diplomatic efforts
• Next video will cover the homefront during the war

Outbreak of World War I

• Began in Europe, July 1914
• Triggered by the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand
• Two main coalitions formed:
  • Triple Entente (Allied Powers): Britain, Russia, France
  • Triple Alliance (Central Powers): Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy

U.S. Stance and Initial Neutrality

• U.S. maintained neutrality initially
• Several events challenged this stance:

Key Events Leading to U.S. Involvement

1. Sinking of the Lusitania (1915):

   • Germans used submarines around British Isles, sinking ships
   • Lusitania, a passenger ship, was sunk by Germans
   • 128 Americans killed, causing public outrage
   • U.S. remained neutral but warned Germany

2. Unrestricted Submarine Warfare:

   • Germany resumed sinking all ships in the war zone
   • Some American ships were sunk

3. Zimmermann Telegram:

   • Germany proposed a military alliance with Mexico against the U.S.
   • Promise to help Mexico regain lost territories
   • Telegram was intercepted and revealed to the U.S.

• Following these events, President Wilson asked Congress for a declaration of war against Germany on April 2, 1917
• Justification: To make the world safe for democracy

U.S. Role in World War I

• War ended November 11, 1918, with the Treaty of Versailles
• U.S. played a limited but crucial role
• American Expeditionary Forces (AEF):
  • Commanded by John J. Pershing
  • Initially supported French and British lines
  • Later took command of a portion of the western front
• U.S. entry tipped the balance in favor of the Allies

Treaty of Versailles and Woodrow Wilson's Influence

• Wilson involved in crafting the treaty

• Advocated making the world safe for democracy

• Fourteen Points:

  • Vision for post-war world
  • Included freedom of the seas, self-determination of nations
  • Proposed establishment of the League of Nations

• Wilson's health declined due to Spanish Flu, affecting his influence

• Britain and France imposed harsh penalties on Germany

League of Nations

• Created as part of the treaty
• U.S. Congress refused to ratify due to concerns over war powers
• League formed without U.S. participation

Conclusion

• Overview of Unit 7, Topic 5 of the AP U.S. History curriculum
• Importance of understanding the events that led to U.S. involvement in World War I and its impact on the war's outcome
• Encouragement to subscribe for further educational content