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Overview of World War I and U.S. Involvement

Apr 10, 2025

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