Think and Respond…In which situations would the U.S. be justified

In getting involved in a war? Why?

A. If another country threatened the U.S. verbally

B. If one of our allies (Ex: Britain) was attacked

C. If another country had resources or land that we wanted

D. If a country was invading other countries and killing their people

E. If the government of another country was killing its own people

F. If the U.S. was directly attacked by another country

G. None of these would justify the U.S. going to war

U.S. Expansion & World War I

Leading up to World War I…• As 1900 approached Americans looked to expand once again

• Reasons: Protection from foreign powers, get natural resources, expand trade

• Purchase of Alaska (1867)

• Annexation (adding) of Hawaii (1893)

• War with Spain over Cuban independence (1898)

• Monroe Doctrine- European countries should stay out of Latin America

• Panama Canal built (1907-1914)

Causes of World War I

• Nationalism- Pride in one's country. Encouraged unity, but created mistrust among countries.

• Militarism- Building up armies to prepare for war.

• Alliances- Countries promised to protect each other in case of war.

• Terrorist attack in Europe.

World War I begins in Europe

• 1914- Royal family member of Austria-Hungary assassinated by a terrorist from Serbia

• Austria-Hungary blames Serbian government and declares war

Taking Sides Allied Powers• Serbia• Russia• France• Britain• Italy• U.S. (1917)

Central Powers• Austria-Hungary• Germany• Ottoman Empire• Bulgaria

Why the U.S. Got Involved • Zimmerman Telegram- Secret message from

Germany urging Mexico to attack the U.S.

• German U-Boat torpedoes ship carrying U.S. civilians

• The U.S. entered the war to help out the Allies in 1917

• Russian Revolution- Communists take over Russia, Russia pulls out of the war

• U.S. military power very beneficial to allies