World War II
December 5, 2007
Abovee: Map of World War II
In the aftermath of World War I, the United States attempted to disengage itself from European affairs. The U.S. Senate rejected American membership in the LEAGUE OF NATIONS, and in the 1920s American involvement in European diplomatic life was limited to economic affairs.
Moreover, the United States dramatically reduced the size of its military in the postwar years, a measure widely supported by a public increasingly opposed to war. Events in Europe and Asia in the 1930s and early 1940s, however, made it impossible for the United States to maintain a position of neutrality in global affairs.
World War I
December 5, 2007
Above: Map of Europe during World War I (click map to enlarge)
The United States did not enter World War I until April 1917, although the conflict had begun in August 1914. After an intense period of military buildup and imperial competition, war broke out in Europe between Germany and Austria-Hungary (the Central Powers) and Britain, France, and Russia (the Allies). Turkey quickly joined the Central Powers and Italy joined the Allies in 1915.
Above: Picture of German U-Boats moored in the dock of Lisahally
Prelude to Involvement
WARS OF YEAR 1900 - 1950
December 5, 2007
• 1904 - 1905 Russo-Japanese War
Below: Map during Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905)
• 1905 Revolution of 1905 in Russia
Below: Gory Sunday during the revolution in Russia (1905)
1911 - 1912 Turco-Italian War fought over Libya
Below: Turkish soldiers marching for war
• 1912 - 1913 Two Balkan Wars
Below: Balkan soldiers and artillery deployed for war
Two Balkan Wars are fought for control of the European territories of the Ottoman Empire
• 1914 - 1918 World War I
Below: War scene in World War I
