Propaganda

PropagandaPropaganda

information, ideas, or rumors deliberately spread widely to help or harm a person,

group, movement, institution, nation, etc.

Effects of WarBoundaries of European nations were redrawn

Old Empires disappeared – Russia, Ottoman, German, Austria-Hungary

New nations emerged – Finland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia (Russia), Yugoslavia, Czechoslovakia (Austria-Hungary), Poland (Germany, Russia)

Aristocratic politics were now a thing of the past Czar was gone in Russia, Kaiser gone in Germany,

Emperor gone in AustriaAfter 4 years of fighting, European governments were

nearly bankrupt

CasualtiesApprox. 65 million soldiers fought in the

war 9.7 million soldiers killed 21 million wounded (30 million total

casualties) 117,465* US Deaths 205,690 US Wounded

12 million civilians casualties (disease, starvation)

Flu Pandemic (1918-19) 20-40 million dead worldwide

TOTAL DEAD

~625,000

~405,000

~117,000

Peace of ParisJanuary 1919, delegates from 27 nations

gathered to create peace treaties Germany was not invited

The “Big Four” made most of the decisions:

US – Woodrow Wilson Urged the convention to adopt the LEAGUE OF

NATIONS Great Britain - David Lloyd George France - Georges Clemenceau Italy – Vittorio Orlando

Wilson was idealistic; others were nationalistic

(remember how nationalism caused war?)

Treaty of Versailles--1919“War Guilt” – Germany was to blame for war

Germans to pay $31 billion reparations (amounted to 38% of her national wealth)

100,000 man army; banned draft & manufacturing of major weapons

“Mandates” Lost land to France, Poland, Britain, and more These nations now had control or “mandate” over

these formally German lands

Treaty of VersaillesGermany was forced to give away 13%

of her territory

Treaty of VersaillesGermany was forced to give away 13%

of her territory This meant the loss of: 6 million people 65% of iron ore reserves 45% of her coal 72% of her zinc 10% of her factories

Germany was financially ruined Versailles left Germany bitter…

Treaty of VersaillesUS Senate had to ratify the treaty

However, the Senate refused joined League of Nations

Why? U.S. Senators were uncomfortable putting so power in the hands of an int’l organization and NOT in the hands of U.S. leaders

So, the U.S. never officially signed (ratified) the Treaty of Versailles

Some thought the treaty was too lenient "This is not Peace. It is an Armistice for twenty years.“ –

Marshall Foch (high ranking French military leader)

Some thought it was too harsh…

In Flanders Fields – J. McCraeIn Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row,   That mark our place; and in the sky   The larks, still bravely singing, flyScarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days agoWe lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

   Loved, and were loved, and now we lie         In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:To you from failing hands we throw

   The torch; be yours to hold it high.   If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow         In Flanders fields.