World War I
Conflicts In Europe Arise
Leaders In The War
American President Woodrow Wilson
Wilson spent 1914 through to the beginning of 1917 trying to keep America out of the war in Europe. On December 18, 1916, Wilson unsuccessfully offered to mediate peace. As a preliminary he asked both sides to state their minimum terms necessary for future security.The U.S. maintained neutrality despite increasing pressure placed on Wilson after the sinking of the British passenger liner RMS Lusitania with arms and American citizens on board. Wilson found it increasingly difficult to maintain U.S. neutrality after Germany initiated a program of unrestricted submarine warfare early in 1917 that threatened U.S. commercial shipping. Wilson declared war afterwards and the U.S. became part of the Allied Forces.
German Emperor Friedrich Wilhelm Viktor Albrecht
Newspaper Headlines
-"Great Britain Declares War On Germany"
-"People Demand Peace"
Technology
Air Warfare
As with most other technologies, the aircraft underwent many improvements during World War I. Early war aircraft were not much different in design from the original Wright Flyer, which made its first flight over a decade earlier.
Tanks
Early tanks were unreliable, breaking down often. Though they first terrified the Germans, their use in 1917 engagements provided more opportunities for development than actual battle successes.
Poison Gas
Although the use of poison gas had been banned in the Hague Conventions of 1899 and 1907, Germany turned to this industry for what it hoped would be a decisive weapon to break the deadlock of trench warfare.
Primary Source Pictures
The Crime Of Ages- Who did it?
In this political cartoon, there is irony in the photo because the background says "the peace of Europe", but countries are blaming each other and they are currently armed.
Who's Absent? Is it YOU?- British Prop
This prop similar to that of the United States' Sam Adams "I Want You" urges British men to sign up for the army and help in the war.
Europe Map- 1914
The map shows a 1914 Europe showing the countries that were part of the Triple Entente, The Central Powers and those that were neutral.