World War I Overview

Assassination and Outbreak of War

• Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary in April 1914 triggered a series of political crises across Europe.
• The event catalyzed alliances and tensions, leading to the start of World War I.

Major Alliances

• The war involved two main factions:
  • Allies: Great Britain, France, and Russia.
  • Central Powers: Germany, Austria-Hungary, and the Ottoman Empire.

United States Neutrality

• In 1914, the United States declared neutrality under the Neutrality Act of 1914.
• President Woodrow Wilson sought to keep the U.S. out of the conflict, emphasizing peace and diplomacy.

Factors Leading to U.S. Involvement

• Three critical factors led to the U.S. entering World War I in 1917:
  • Unrestricted Submarine Warfare: Germany's policy of attacking merchant vessels without warning, jeopardizing American ships.
  • Propaganda Campaigns: Influential campaigns heightened public opinion against the Central Powers.
  • Zimmerman Telegram: A secret communication from Germany proposing a military alliance with Mexico against the U.S., which was intercepted and made public.

Shift in War Dynamics

• The entry of the United States into the war in 1917 shifted momentum toward the Allies, enabling a series of victories against the Central Powers.

Conclusion of the War

• An armistice was signed on November 11, 1918, effectively ending hostilities.
• The Treaty of Versailles was signed in 1919, formally concluding World War I and establishing conditions that would contribute to World War II.

Explore the key events leading to World War I, including the assassination of Franz Ferdinand in April 1914 and the subsequent formation of the Allies and Central Powers. This quiz covers the United States' initial neutrality and President Wilson's efforts to keep the nation out of the conflict. Test your knowledge of this crucial period in history.