The+World+at+War

As with most wars, there was not just //one// cause for World War I. The First World War began in the summer of 1914, but Europe had been experiencing friction since 1900. The spark that lit the flame was the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand.

This might help you remember the **//main//** causes of WWI: M ilitarism – a building up of armed forces; getting ready for war A lliances – agreements to defend and help another country European Alliances I mperialism – the attempt to build up an empire N ationalism – having pride in your country; willingness to defend your country E mpire – a powerful country controlling several less powerful countries

Although America did not declare war on Germany until 1917, she had been involved from the start by supplying the allies with weapons and supplies. Officially, America was neutral but there was conflicting support for both sides among the public. As with causes of the war, there were many reasons for America’s eventual entrance into the war. A German torpedo’s sinking of the Lusitania, a passenger ship, put much public pressure on the American government to enter the war.

Click here to see a list of European Alliances or below to see a map..