War in Europe

Describe the war from 1914 and why America stayed out.

Warm-up, learn, try it together, practice, then a quick check. About 15 minutes.

What children learn in Level 24

Welcome to a world of war and good times. It begins far away. By 1914, the countries of Europe had split into two groups that promised to protect each other. Those promises are called alliances.
In 1914, a leader from Austria-Hungary was shot and killed. Austria-Hungary blamed Serbia. One country after another joined in, and soon much of Europe was at war.
On one side were the Allies, including Britain, France, and Russia. On the other were the Central Powers, including Germany, Austria-Hungary, and the Ottoman Empire.
Soldiers dug long ditches called trenches, and new weapons made the fighting terrible. Millions of soldiers died.
Most Americans didn't want any part of it. President Woodrow Wilson said the country would stay neutral, which means taking neither side. But American ships still sailed to Europe to sell goods.

Georgia Standards of Excellence in Social Studies:

SS5H2.a — Explain how German attacks on U.S. shipping during the war in Europe (1914-1917) ultimately led the U.S. to join the fight against Germany; include the sinking of the Lusitania and concerns over safety of U.S. ships, U.S. contributions to the war, and the impact of the Treaty of Versailles in 1919.