World War I. Causes of WWI MilitarismNationalismImperialism Alliance system.

World War IWorld War I

Causes of Causes of WWIWWI

Militarism

NationalismImperialismAlliance system

MilitarismMilitarism Empires were expensive to build and Empires were expensive to build and

defend. The growth of nationalism defend. The growth of nationalism and imperialism led to increased and imperialism led to increased military spending. Because each military spending. Because each nation wanted to be stronger than a nation wanted to be stronger than a potential enemy, these imperial potential enemy, these imperial powers followed the policy of powers followed the policy of militarism- the development of militarism- the development of armed forces and their use as a tool armed forces and their use as a tool of diplomacy. of diplomacy.

By the end of the 19th century By the end of the 19th century Germany had become the strongest Germany had become the strongest nation in Europe. They had a large nation in Europe. They had a large standing army, and a large army standing army, and a large army reserve system. Britain, at that time, reserve system. Britain, at that time, was the largest empire in the world was the largest empire in the world and it also had the largest navy. and it also had the largest navy. Their navy was so big and strong Their navy was so big and strong because they needed to protect their because they needed to protect their empire and maintain the sea routes empire and maintain the sea routes between the different colonies. between the different colonies.

Kaiser Wilhelm II, of Germany, hated Kaiser Wilhelm II, of Germany, hated and envied Britain for having a and envied Britain for having a stronger navy than his. He increased stronger navy than his. He increased the German navy and built many the German navy and built many warships. Britain responded with warships. Britain responded with building more ships and increasing building more ships and increasing its navy too. This started a race for its navy too. This started a race for building more and better warships building more and better warships and it created tension and and it created tension and competition between those two competition between those two countries. countries.

The competition between Germany The competition between Germany and Great Britain also brought and Great Britain also brought France, Italy, Japan, and the U.S. into France, Italy, Japan, and the U.S. into the naval arms race. The major the naval arms race. The major symbol of this arms race was the symbol of this arms race was the “Dreadnought”. These British ships “Dreadnought”. These British ships caused a revolution, by making the caused a revolution, by making the battleships of all other navies battleships of all other navies obsolete. Soon every nation was obsolete. Soon every nation was trying to build bigger, more heavily trying to build bigger, more heavily armed ships. armed ships.

Alliance SystemAlliance System Because every country was Because every country was

trying to get an advantage over trying to get an advantage over their enemies, they started to their enemies, they started to form military alliances with other form military alliances with other countries. By 1907 there were countries. By 1907 there were two major defense alliances in two major defense alliances in Europe. The Triple Entente (the Europe. The Triple Entente (the Allies) consisted of France, Great Allies) consisted of France, Great Britain, and Russia. Britain, and Russia.

The Triple Alliance consisted of The Triple Alliance consisted of Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy. Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy. Later, Germany, Austria-Hungary Later, Germany, Austria-Hungary and the Ottoman Empire became the and the Ottoman Empire became the Central Powers. These alliances Central Powers. These alliances were supposed to provide protection were supposed to provide protection from other countries, and peace from other countries, and peace within Europe. As it turned out, within Europe. As it turned out, these alliances helped turn a small these alliances helped turn a small incident into a major conflict.incident into a major conflict.

ImperialismImperialism As we have talked about before, As we have talked about before,

imperialism is a policy in which imperialism is a policy in which stronger nations extend their stronger nations extend their economic, political, or military economic, political, or military control over weaker territories. control over weaker territories. European countries had been European countries had been establishing colonies for centuries. establishing colonies for centuries. In the late 19th century Africa and In the late 19th century Africa and Asia were prime targets for European Asia were prime targets for European expansionism.expansionism.

Colonies supplied the European Colonies supplied the European powers with raw materials, and powers with raw materials, and provided markets, for manufactured provided markets, for manufactured goods. As Germany industrialized, it goods. As Germany industrialized, it competed with France and Britain in competed with France and Britain in the contest for colonies.the contest for colonies.

NationalismNationalism Throughout the 19th Century Throughout the 19th Century

western politics were deeply western politics were deeply influenced by the devotion to the influenced by the devotion to the interests and culture of one’s nation. interests and culture of one’s nation. Often nationalism led to competitive Often nationalism led to competitive and antagonistic rivalries among and antagonistic rivalries among nations. In this atmosphere many nations. In this atmosphere many feared Germany’s growing power in feared Germany’s growing power in Europe.Europe.

More importantly, various ethnic More importantly, various ethnic groups resented domination by groups resented domination by others and longed for their own others and longed for their own independence. Many ethnic groups independence. Many ethnic groups looked at larger nations for looked at larger nations for protection. Russia was regarded as protection. Russia was regarded as the “protector of the Slavs”, no the “protector of the Slavs”, no matter what government they lived matter what government they lived under. Among these Slavic people under. Among these Slavic people were the Serbs, who were under the were the Serbs, who were under the rule of the Austria-Hungary. rule of the Austria-Hungary.

As a result, Russia and Austria-As a result, Russia and Austria-Hungary were rivals for influence Hungary were rivals for influence over Serbia.over Serbia.

Serbia!

Franz FerdinandFranz Ferdinand

The Balkans have long been known The Balkans have long been known as the “powder keg of Europe”. as the “powder keg of Europe”. Ethnic rivalries and the interests of Ethnic rivalries and the interests of the major powers put all of these the major powers put all of these different groups at odds. Russia different groups at odds. Russia wanted access to the Mediterranean wanted access to the Mediterranean Sea. Germany wanted a rail link to Sea. Germany wanted a rail link to the Ottoman Empire. Austria-the Ottoman Empire. Austria-Hungary accused Serbia of Hungary accused Serbia of undermining their authority in undermining their authority in Bosnia. The ‘powder keg” was ready Bosnia. The ‘powder keg” was ready to explode.to explode.

In June of 1914 the Archduke Franz In June of 1914 the Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the Austrian Ferdinand, heir to the Austrian throne, was visiting the Bosnian throne, was visiting the Bosnian capital of Sarajevo. During this visit capital of Sarajevo. During this visit the Black Hand, a secret nationalist the Black Hand, a secret nationalist group, decided to assassinate him. group, decided to assassinate him. With their first attempt a thrown With their first attempt a thrown bomb glanced off Franz Ferdinand's bomb glanced off Franz Ferdinand's arm, bounced off the folded car top arm, bounced off the folded car top and into the street behind them. The and into the street behind them. The explosion injured about a dozen explosion injured about a dozen spectators.spectators.

The failed bomber swallowed The failed bomber swallowed cyanide and jumped into the river. cyanide and jumped into the river. The trouble was, the poison was old The trouble was, the poison was old -- it only made him vomit -- and the -- it only made him vomit -- and the river was only a few inches deep. He river was only a few inches deep. He was quickly seized by the crowd and was quickly seized by the crowd and arrested. The motorcade continued arrested. The motorcade continued on. Later, as the royals drove on. Later, as the royals drove through the city Gavrilo Princip, through the city Gavrilo Princip, another member of the Black Hand, another member of the Black Hand, stepped from the crowd and shot the stepped from the crowd and shot the Archduke and his wife.Archduke and his wife.

The murders of Franz Ferdinand and The murders of Franz Ferdinand and his wife brought Austro-Serbian his wife brought Austro-Serbian tensions to a head. Austria-Hungary tensions to a head. Austria-Hungary declared what was supposed to be a declared what was supposed to be a short war against Serbia. The short war against Serbia. The alliance system pulled one nation alliance system pulled one nation after another into the conflict. Russia after another into the conflict. Russia declared war on Austria-Hungary, declared war on Austria-Hungary, Germany declared war on Russia. Germany declared war on Russia. On August 3rd Germany declared On August 3rd Germany declared war on Russia’s ally, France. war on Russia’s ally, France.

The Schlieffen PlanThe Schlieffen Plan On August 3, 1914 Germany started On August 3, 1914 Germany started

to execute the grand strategy known to execute the grand strategy known as the Schlieffen Plan. This plan as the Schlieffen Plan. This plan called for a holding action against called for a holding action against Russia combined with a quick drive Russia combined with a quick drive through Belgium to Paris. After through Belgium to Paris. After France had fallen the two German France had fallen the two German armies would turn to defeat Russia. armies would turn to defeat Russia.

As German troops swept across As German troops swept across Belgium thousands of civilians fled in Belgium thousands of civilians fled in terror. Unable to save Belgium, the terror. Unable to save Belgium, the Allies retreated to the Marne River, Allies retreated to the Marne River, in France, where they were able to in France, where they were able to halt the German advance. Both halt the German advance. Both sides spent the next few weeks sides spent the next few weeks trying to outflank each other’s trying to outflank each other’s armies, but were unsuccessful so armies, but were unsuccessful so they dug in for a long siege. they dug in for a long siege.

Most trenches were only a few feet Most trenches were only a few feet above sea level. As soon as soldiers above sea level. As soon as soldiers began to dig down they would began to dig down they would invariably find water two or three invariably find water two or three feet below the surface. Water-logged feet below the surface. Water-logged trenches were a constant problem trenches were a constant problem for soldiers on the Western Front. for soldiers on the Western Front. Frontline trenches were usually Frontline trenches were usually about seven feet deep and six feet about seven feet deep and six feet wide. This made it impossible to see wide. This made it impossible to see over the top so a ledge known as a over the top so a ledge known as a fire-step was added. fire-step was added.

Trench WarfareTrench Warfare By the spring of 1915 these armies By the spring of 1915 these armies

had built parallel systems of trenches had built parallel systems of trenches from the Belgian coast to the Swiss from the Belgian coast to the Swiss Alps. As the Germans were the first to Alps. As the Germans were the first to decide where to stand fast and dig, decide where to stand fast and dig, they had been able to choose the best they had been able to choose the best places to build their trenches. The places to build their trenches. The possession of the higher ground not possession of the higher ground not only gave the Germans a tactical only gave the Germans a tactical advantage, but it forced the British and advantage, but it forced the British and French to live in the worst conditions. French to live in the worst conditions.

Trenches were not dug in straight Trenches were not dug in straight lines. Otherwise, if the enemy had a lines. Otherwise, if the enemy had a successive offensive, and got into successive offensive, and got into your trenches, they could shoot your trenches, they could shoot straight along the line. The front-line straight along the line. The front-line trenches were also protected by trenches were also protected by barbed-wire entanglements and barbed-wire entanglements and machine-gun posts. Land between machine-gun posts. Land between opposing trenches was called “No-opposing trenches was called “No-Man's Land”.Man's Land”.

The scale of the slaughter was The scale of the slaughter was horrific. During the first Battle of the horrific. During the first Battle of the Somme, which lasted for almost five Somme, which lasted for almost five months, the British suffered months, the British suffered 60,000 60,000 casualties the first day alone! casualties the first day alone! Final casualties for the battle totaled Final casualties for the battle totaled 1.2 million men, but the lines only 1.2 million men, but the lines only changed about seven miles. This type changed about seven miles. This type of warfare continued for three more of warfare continued for three more years. Elsewhere the fighting was just years. Elsewhere the fighting was just as devastating and inconclusive.as devastating and inconclusive.

U.S. NeutralityU.S. Neutrality In 1914 most Americans saw no In 1914 most Americans saw no

reason to join the slaughter that was reason to join the slaughter that was going on in Europe, especially since going on in Europe, especially since it did not threaten American lives or it did not threaten American lives or property. Americans, though, were property. Americans, though, were divided in their opinions on the war. divided in their opinions on the war. Socialists criticized the war because Socialists criticized the war because of its origins in imperialism. of its origins in imperialism.

Pacifists, like William Jennings Bryan, Pacifists, like William Jennings Bryan, believed war was evil, and that the believed war was evil, and that the U.S. should not get involved and set U.S. should not get involved and set an example of peace. Most of all, an example of peace. Most of all, Americans didn’t want their sons Americans didn’t want their sons going to Europe to die. Depending on going to Europe to die. Depending on their heritage, Americans their heritage, Americans sympathized with opposing sides. sympathized with opposing sides. Most Americans, however felt closer Most Americans, however felt closer to Britain because of a common to Britain because of a common language, democratic institutions language, democratic institutions and legal system.and legal system.

The most important tie to the Allies The most important tie to the Allies was economic. Before the war was economic. Before the war American trade with Britain and American trade with Britain and France doubled U.S. trade with France doubled U.S. trade with Germany. During the war’s first two Germany. During the war’s first two years this became even more years this became even more lopsided, as the Allies flooded lopsided, as the Allies flooded American manufacturers with orders American manufacturers with orders for war supplies. The U.S. shipped for war supplies. The U.S. shipped millions of dollars of war supplies to millions of dollars of war supplies to the Allies, and requests kept coming. the Allies, and requests kept coming. by 1915 the U.S. was experiencing a by 1915 the U.S. was experiencing a labor shortage.labor shortage.

The war hits homeThe war hits home As the war continued Britain began to As the war continued Britain began to

use its navy to blockade Germany, to use its navy to blockade Germany, to keep weapons and food from getting keep weapons and food from getting through. They even blockaded neutral through. They even blockaded neutral ports and mined the entire North Sea. ports and mined the entire North Sea. Americans stopped shipments to Americans stopped shipments to Germany, and they started to starve. Germany, and they started to starve. By 1917 as many as 750,000 Germans By 1917 as many as 750,000 Germans had starved to death.had starved to death.

Germany’s response to this blockade Germany’s response to this blockade was a counter blockade with was a counter blockade with submarines (U-boats). Any ship submarines (U-boats). Any ship found in the waters around Britain found in the waters around Britain would be sunk, and no guarantee would be sunk, and no guarantee was made that the crews of those was made that the crews of those ships would be warned before an ships would be warned before an attack. One of the worst of these attack. One of the worst of these attacks came in May 1915, when a U-attacks came in May 1915, when a U-boat sank the British passenger liner boat sank the British passenger liner LusitaniaLusitania off the coast of Ireland. off the coast of Ireland.

Of the 1,198 people that died, 128 Of the 1,198 people that died, 128 were Americans. The Germans were Americans. The Germans defended the sinking, claiming that it defended the sinking, claiming that it was carrying ammunition to the was carrying ammunition to the Allies. Despite this explanation Allies. Despite this explanation Americans were outraged with Americans were outraged with Germany, and public opinion turned Germany, and public opinion turned against Germany and the Central against Germany and the Central Powers. Despite this President Powers. Despite this President Wilson ruled out a military response, Wilson ruled out a military response, in favor of a strong official protest.in favor of a strong official protest.

Reaction to the Reaction to the Lusitania Lusitania and and other U-boat attacks in Americaother U-boat attacks in America

Other attacks against passenger Other attacks against passenger liners, with Americans aboard, liners, with Americans aboard, included the included the ArabicArabic and the and the SussexSussex. . Again the U.S. warned that it would Again the U.S. warned that it would break off diplomatic relations with break off diplomatic relations with Germany, unless it changed its Germany, unless it changed its tactics. Germany countered that the tactics. Germany countered that the unrestricted submarine warfare unrestricted submarine warfare would continue until the U.S. would continue until the U.S. persuaded Britain to allow food and persuaded Britain to allow food and fertilizers through to Germany.fertilizers through to Germany.

The Election of 1916The Election of 1916 This election was between Woodrow This election was between Woodrow

Wilson (D) and Supreme Court Wilson (D) and Supreme Court Justice Charles Evans Hughes (R). Justice Charles Evans Hughes (R). Wilson campaigned on the slogan Wilson campaigned on the slogan “He Kept Us Out Of War”, while “He Kept Us Out Of War”, while Hughes pledged to uphold America’s Hughes pledged to uphold America’s right to the freedom of the seas. This right to the freedom of the seas. This election was very close, with Wilson election was very close, with Wilson squeaking out a victory.squeaking out a victory.

DeclaratioDeclaration of Warn of War

After the election Wilson tried to After the election Wilson tried to work out an agreement between the work out an agreement between the warring nations, of course this failed. warring nations, of course this failed. Wilson had hoped that both sides Wilson had hoped that both sides would stop fighting and work to would stop fighting and work to extend democracy, maintain the extend democracy, maintain the freedom of the seas, and reduce the freedom of the seas, and reduce the militarism in Europe. The Germans militarism in Europe. The Germans ignored the call for peace.ignored the call for peace.

On January 31, 1917 Germany On January 31, 1917 Germany resumed their unrestricted resumed their unrestricted submarine warfare, after stopping for submarine warfare, after stopping for less than a year. All ships, hostile or less than a year. All ships, hostile or neutral, would be sunk on sight. neutral, would be sunk on sight. Wilson was stunned, and America Wilson was stunned, and America was afraid this would bring us into was afraid this would bring us into the war. Wilson held back, waiting the war. Wilson held back, waiting for “actual overt acts” before for “actual overt acts” before declaring war. Those acts came declaring war. Those acts came soon.soon.

The first of these was the The first of these was the Zimmermann NoteZimmermann Note, a telegram , a telegram from the German foreign minister to from the German foreign minister to the German ambassador in Mexico the German ambassador in Mexico (which was intercepted by the (which was intercepted by the British). It proposed an alliance British). It proposed an alliance between Germany and Mexico, and between Germany and Mexico, and promised that if war broke Germany promised that if war broke Germany would assist them in recovering “lost would assist them in recovering “lost territory in Texas, New Mexico, and territory in Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona.” Arizona.”

Soon afterward came the sinking of Soon afterward came the sinking of four unarmed American merchant four unarmed American merchant ships. Finally, in March of 1917 the ships. Finally, in March of 1917 the Russian Tsar was overthrown and Russian Tsar was overthrown and replaced with a representative form replaced with a representative form of government. Now Americans of government. Now Americans could support the war on the could support the war on the premise that the war was now a war premise that the war was now a war of democracies versus brutal of democracies versus brutal monarchies. On April 4, 1917 the monarchies. On April 4, 1917 the U.S. declared war on Germany.U.S. declared war on Germany.

With the idea of U.S. neutrality With the idea of U.S. neutrality shattered the U.S. started to mobilize shattered the U.S. started to mobilize for war. U.S. troops would now for war. U.S. troops would now follow the stream of money and follow the stream of money and munitions across the Atlantic. munitions across the Atlantic. Wilson’s plea to make the world Wilson’s plea to make the world “safe for democracy” wasn’t an idle “safe for democracy” wasn’t an idle promise. Wilson really believed that promise. Wilson really believed that the U.S. had to join this war to pave the U.S. had to join this war to pave the way for future peace and the way for future peace and freedom.freedom.

U.S. MobilizationU.S. Mobilization Even though war had been declared Even though war had been declared

the U.S. was not immediately the U.S. was not immediately prepared. There were only 200,000 prepared. There were only 200,000 men in service and very few of the men in service and very few of the officers had combat experience. officers had combat experience. Drastic measures were needed to Drastic measures were needed to create an army large and modern create an army large and modern enough to make an impact in enough to make an impact in Europe.Europe.

Congress passed the Selective Service Congress passed the Selective Service Act, in May 1917, to meet the need Act, in May 1917, to meet the need for more soldiers. This law required for more soldiers. This law required men to register with the government men to register with the government in order for them to be randomly in order for them to be randomly selected for military service. By the selected for military service. By the end of 1918 24 million men had end of 1918 24 million men had registered and almost 3 million had registered and almost 3 million had been drafted. Most of these draftees been drafted. Most of these draftees had not attended high school and had not attended high school and about 20% were foreign-born.about 20% were foreign-born.

An eight-week training period took An eight-week training period took place before these men were ready place before these men were ready for combat. During this time they for combat. During this time they spent 17 hour days doing target spent 17 hour days doing target practice, combat drills, kitchen duty, practice, combat drills, kitchen duty, and cleaning their camps. Since and cleaning their camps. Since weapons were in short-supply they weapons were in short-supply they often used fake weapons for their often used fake weapons for their training. training.

Of these recruits almost 400,000 were Of these recruits almost 400,000 were African-American. More than half African-American. More than half served in France, although in served in France, although in segregated units. Most were assigned to segregated units. Most were assigned to non-combat units. Women were also non-combat units. Women were also allowed to serve in the army, but only allowed to serve in the army, but only as nurses. They were denied rank, pay, as nurses. They were denied rank, pay, and benefits. Almost 13,000 women and benefits. Almost 13,000 women served in the navy and marines, with served in the navy and marines, with full military rank, as nurses, secretaries, full military rank, as nurses, secretaries, and telephone operators. and telephone operators.

Factories also needed to mobilize for Factories also needed to mobilize for war. They needed to supply the war. They needed to supply the army with transportation, food, and army with transportation, food, and equipment and get it across the equipment and get it across the Atlantic. This was an immense task, Atlantic. This was an immense task, which was made even more difficult which was made even more difficult because of the success of Germany’s because of the success of Germany’s submarine warfare. The Germans submarine warfare. The Germans were sinking twice as much tonnage, were sinking twice as much tonnage, every year, as the Allies could build. every year, as the Allies could build.

To expand the U.S. fleet the To expand the U.S. fleet the government exempted most shipyard government exempted most shipyard workers from the draft and delayed workers from the draft and delayed drafting others until later. These drafting others until later. These shipyard workers were given many of shipyard workers were given many of the benefits that soldiers were. There the benefits that soldiers were. There was also a change in the way ships was also a change in the way ships were built. The assembly line idea were built. The assembly line idea was transferred to ships. Ship parts was transferred to ships. Ship parts were being built in many factories, were being built in many factories, and then assembled in the shipyards.and then assembled in the shipyards.

This method greatly reduced the This method greatly reduced the time and space it took to build ships, time and space it took to build ships, and production increased greatly. As and production increased greatly. As a result on just one day, July 4 1918, a result on just one day, July 4 1918, the U.S. launched 95 ships. Also, the U.S. launched 95 ships. Also, many private ships were taken over many private ships were taken over by the government, and were by the government, and were converted for use in the war. Still, converted for use in the war. Still, these ships had to deal with the U-these ships had to deal with the U-Boats as they crossed the Atlantic, Boats as they crossed the Atlantic, and took serious losses. and took serious losses.

The Convoy SystemThe Convoy System To reduce the effectiveness of the U-To reduce the effectiveness of the U-

boats the navy came up with a new boats the navy came up with a new system in which a heavy guard of system in which a heavy guard of destroyers would escort merchant destroyers would escort merchant ships back and forth across the ships back and forth across the Atlantic. By the fall of 1917 Allied Atlantic. By the fall of 1917 Allied naval losses had been cut in half. naval losses had been cut in half. The U.S. Navy also started to mine The U.S. Navy also started to mine the North Sea to keep U-boats out of the North Sea to keep U-boats out of the Atlantic.the Atlantic.

By 1918 the Germans found it By 1918 the Germans found it increasingly difficult to replace their increasingly difficult to replace their losses and to staff their fleet with losses and to staff their fleet with trained submariners. Of the 2 million trained submariners. Of the 2 million Americans who sailed for Europe Americans who sailed for Europe only 637 were lost to U-boat attacks.only 637 were lost to U-boat attacks.

The American Expeditionary The American Expeditionary ForceForce

After 2 ½ years of fighting the Allied After 2 ½ years of fighting the Allied forces were exhausted and forces were exhausted and demoralized. One of the greatest demoralized. One of the greatest contributions that the U.S. made to contributions that the U.S. made to the war effort was to supply troops the war effort was to supply troops that were fresh and full of that were fresh and full of enthusiasm. The AEF was led by enthusiasm. The AEF was led by General John J. “Blackjack” Pershing. General John J. “Blackjack” Pershing. He had to transform the Army as He had to transform the Army as rapidly as possible and to learn the rapidly as possible and to learn the techniques of modern warfare at the techniques of modern warfare at the same time. same time.

His force included men from every His force included men from every state and economic background. state and economic background. Most had never been far from home. Most had never been far from home. These men were awed by the sights These men were awed by the sights and sounds of Paris, and shocked by and sounds of Paris, and shocked by the horrors of the battlefield. These the horrors of the battlefield. These “doughboys” were now exposed to a “doughboys” were now exposed to a type of warfare that the world had type of warfare that the world had never seen, especially on this scale. never seen, especially on this scale.

The Allies expected to use the AEF as The Allies expected to use the AEF as replacements for their depleted replacements for their depleted armies, and also hoped that this armies, and also hoped that this would lessen the effects of their would lessen the effects of their inexperience. Pershing, however, inexperience. Pershing, however, envisioned a different role for his envisioned a different role for his force. He felt that the solution to the force. He felt that the solution to the stalemate that had developed was to stalemate that had developed was to reestablish maneuver on the reestablish maneuver on the battlefield. battlefield.

This meant that the AEF would avoid This meant that the AEF would avoid the trench warfare mentality that the the trench warfare mentality that the Allies had accepted and instead train Allies had accepted and instead train and fight using what he termed and fight using what he termed “open warfare.” This also meant “open warfare.” This also meant that he would need the AEF to that he would need the AEF to operate as an independent fighting operate as an independent fighting force, under American command. force, under American command. Although the Allied leaders were Although the Allied leaders were skeptical they had to agree.skeptical they had to agree.

The “New Warfare”The “New Warfare”

The battlefields of WWI saw the first The battlefields of WWI saw the first large-scale use of weapons that large-scale use of weapons that would define modern warfare. Some would define modern warfare. Some of these weapons were new while of these weapons were new while others had been refined to the point others had been refined to the point of being so effective that they of being so effective that they changed the battlefield forever. The changed the battlefield forever. The machinegun, tank, airplanes, heavy machinegun, tank, airplanes, heavy artillery and poison gas were artillery and poison gas were mainstays of this new battlefield and mainstays of this new battlefield and helped contribute to a horrible helped contribute to a horrible number of casualties. number of casualties.

The The machine gunmachine gun, which so came to , which so came to dominate and even to personify the dominate and even to personify the battlefields of WWI, was a fairly battlefields of WWI, was a fairly primitive weapon when the war primitive weapon when the war began.  They were heavy and ill-suited began.  They were heavy and ill-suited for rapidly advancing infantry troops. for rapidly advancing infantry troops. When established to cover potential When established to cover potential enemy attack routes, the machine gun enemy attack routes, the machine gun proved a fearsome defensive weapon.  proved a fearsome defensive weapon.  Infantry assaults upon such positions Infantry assaults upon such positions proved very costly.proved very costly.

The British found the futility of massed The British found the futility of massed infantry attacks against entrenched infantry attacks against entrenched positions protected by machine positions protected by machine guns. The first day of the Somme guns. The first day of the Somme Offensive amply illustrated this, Offensive amply illustrated this, although the lesson was lost on the although the lesson was lost on the British high command. On the opening British high command. On the opening day of the offensive the British day of the offensive the British suffered a record number of single day suffered a record number of single day casualties, 60,000, the great majority casualties, 60,000, the great majority lost because of machine gun fire.lost because of machine gun fire.

Artillery, Artillery, in the First World War was in the First World War was used to defend against attacks, used to defend against attacks, prepare for assaults, destroy trenches, prepare for assaults, destroy trenches, and protect soldiers as they advanced and protect soldiers as they advanced toward enemy trenches. At the outset toward enemy trenches. At the outset of the war, artillery was used as a of the war, artillery was used as a mobile weapon but, as the war mobile weapon but, as the war progressed and both sides became progressed and both sides became entrenched, it was increasingly used entrenched, it was increasingly used as a means of bombarding enemy as a means of bombarding enemy trenches from fixed positions.trenches from fixed positions.

As the war continued, different types As the war continued, different types of artillery were quickly developed. of artillery were quickly developed. Larger guns were built that could fire Larger guns were built that could fire great distances and shells that great distances and shells that carried high explosives were used to carried high explosives were used to destroy defenses that were carefully destroy defenses that were carefully constructed and defended. Immense constructed and defended. Immense guns mounted on train cars were guns mounted on train cars were also used as a means of having also used as a means of having heavy portable weaponry. They were heavy portable weaponry. They were often nicknamed "Big Bertha", often nicknamed "Big Bertha", "Mother", and "Granny“. "Mother", and "Granny“.

A photo of a French Naval gun used by A photo of a French Naval gun used by the American Army. This looks to be like the American Army. This looks to be like that of the 400mm railway gun type.that of the 400mm railway gun type.

GasGas was invented (and used very was invented (and used very successfully) as a terror weapon successfully) as a terror weapon meant to instill confusion and panic meant to instill confusion and panic among the enemy prior to an among the enemy prior to an offensive. They ranged form the non-offensive. They ranged form the non-lethal tearing agents to the dreaded lethal tearing agents to the dreaded mustard gas. Unlike the other gases mustard gas. Unlike the other gases which attack the respiratory system, which attack the respiratory system, mustard gas acts on any exposed, mustard gas acts on any exposed, moist skin.moist skin.

This includes the eyes, lungs, This includes the eyes, lungs, armpits and groin. A gas mask could armpits and groin. A gas mask could offer very little protection. The oily offer very little protection. The oily agent would produce large burn-like agent would produce large burn-like blisters wherever it came in contact blisters wherever it came in contact with skin. It also had a nasty way of with skin. It also had a nasty way of hanging about in low areas for hours, hanging about in low areas for hours, even days, after being dispersed. A even days, after being dispersed. A soldier jumping into a shell crater soldier jumping into a shell crater could find himself blinded, with skin could find himself blinded, with skin blistering and lungs bleeding. blistering and lungs bleeding.

The total number of casualties from gas attacks was over 1.2 million wounded and 91,000 deaths.

AirplanesAirplanes were used, throughout were used, throughout the war, in various roles. Initially the war, in various roles. Initially airplanes were so flimsy that they airplanes were so flimsy that they were only used for scouting. After a were only used for scouting. After a while the two sides used them for while the two sides used them for bombing the enemy or attacking bombing the enemy or attacking each other’s planes. These early each other’s planes. These early “dogfights” (individual air combat) “dogfights” (individual air combat) were very non-lethal, often ending were very non-lethal, often ending when one plane ran out of gas or when one plane ran out of gas or crashed. crashed.

As airplanes began to be able to fly As airplanes began to be able to fly faster, further, and were more faster, further, and were more maneuverable (eventually machine maneuverable (eventually machine guns were mounted on the airplanes) guns were mounted on the airplanes) flying became a dangerous business. flying became a dangerous business. The best fighter pilots became The best fighter pilots became famous and sometimes, like famous and sometimes, like Germany’s Baron von Richthofen, Germany’s Baron von Richthofen, racked up over 80 victories over racked up over 80 victories over their enemy.their enemy.

Tanks Tanks were a new idea developed to were a new idea developed to provide a moving platform for machine provide a moving platform for machine guns so that they could support guns so that they could support infantry attacks. They were replacing infantry attacks. They were replacing armored cars which could not drive armored cars which could not drive over trenches or roll over barbed wire. over trenches or roll over barbed wire. The earliest tanks were very slow, The earliest tanks were very slow, broke down often, and were very broke down often, and were very clumsy. Although tanks were never clumsy. Although tanks were never used in large numbers they signaled a used in large numbers they signaled a new era in modern warfare.new era in modern warfare.

The U.S. goes on the OffensiveThe U.S. goes on the Offensive When Russia pulled out of the war in When Russia pulled out of the war in

1917 (because of the Russian 1917 (because of the Russian Revolution) the Germans shifted Revolution) the Germans shifted their armies from the eastern front to their armies from the eastern front to the front in France. By May they the front in France. By May they were within 50 miles of Paris. The were within 50 miles of Paris. The Americans arrived just in time to Americans arrived just in time to stop the German advance at stop the German advance at Cantigny in France.Cantigny in France.

In that battle 4,000 men from the U.S. In that battle 4,000 men from the U.S. 1st Division captured the village of 1st Division captured the village of Cantigny, held by the Germans. In Cantigny, held by the Germans. In taking the village the Americans taking the village the Americans expanded their front by approximately expanded their front by approximately a mile. Most importantly, the a mile. Most importantly, the Americans proved that they could be Americans proved that they could be effective against the best the enemy effective against the best the enemy had to offer. This success was followed had to offer. This success was followed by attacks at Chateau-Thierry and by attacks at Chateau-Thierry and Belleau Wood in the first half of June.Belleau Wood in the first half of June.

In July and August the U.S. troops In July and August the U.S. troops helped the Allies win the Second helped the Allies win the Second Battle of the Marne. Because of Battle of the Marne. Because of American enthusiasm, freshness, American enthusiasm, freshness, and lack of experience with the and lack of experience with the horrors of war the tide had turned horrors of war the tide had turned against the Central Powers. In against the Central Powers. In September U.S. troops began to September U.S. troops began to mount offensives against the mount offensives against the Germans, especially in the Argonne Germans, especially in the Argonne Forest area.Forest area.

American War heroesAmerican War heroes

During the fighting in the Argonne During the fighting in the Argonne forest one of America’s greatest war forest one of America’s greatest war heroes was made. A backwoodsman heroes was made. A backwoodsman and blacksmith from Tennessee, and blacksmith from Tennessee, York had initially tried to be exempt York had initially tried to be exempt from the draft as a conscientious from the draft as a conscientious objector (a person who opposed war objector (a person who opposed war on moral grounds). York changed his on moral grounds). York changed his mind, believing that killing was mind, believing that killing was alright if it was for a just cause.alright if it was for a just cause.

On October 8, 1918 York, armed only On October 8, 1918 York, armed only with his rifle and a pistol, killed 25 with his rifle and a pistol, killed 25 Germans and with the help of six Germans and with the help of six other soldiers captured 132 other soldiers captured 132 Germans. For his heroic acts he was Germans. For his heroic acts he was promoted to the rank of sergeant promoted to the rank of sergeant and became a celebrity in America.and became a celebrity in America.

Eddie Rickenbacker was theEddie Rickenbacker was the greatest greatest American flying Ace. He had American flying Ace. He had proposed to form a flying squadron proposed to form a flying squadron made up entirely of racing drivers. made up entirely of racing drivers.  He later transferred to the famous  He later transferred to the famous "Hat in the Ring" squadron, so called "Hat in the Ring" squadron, so called because of their insignia. Eddie because of their insignia. Eddie finished the war with 26 victories, finished the war with 26 victories, the Congressional Medal of Honor, the Congressional Medal of Honor, the Distinguished Service Cross, and the Distinguished Service Cross, and the French Croix de Guerre. the French Croix de Guerre.

The "Harlem Hellfighters", the The "Harlem Hellfighters", the American 369th Regiment, fought American 369th Regiment, fought with the French 16th Division. The with the French 16th Division. The longest fighting American unit in longest fighting American unit in World War I, they received a total of World War I, they received a total of 171 Croix de Guerre decorations. 171 Croix de Guerre decorations.

On November 2, 1918 Austria-On November 2, 1918 Austria-Hungary surrendered to the Allies. Hungary surrendered to the Allies. That same day German sailors That same day German sailors mutinied against the government. mutinied against the government. The mutiny quickly spread. German The mutiny quickly spread. German soldiers and workers formed soldiers and workers formed revolutionary councils. On revolutionary councils. On November 9 socialist leaders November 9 socialist leaders established a republic in Berlin. The established a republic in Berlin. The Kaiser abdicated the throne. Kaiser abdicated the throne.

Although no Allied troops were on Although no Allied troops were on German territory, and no decisive German territory, and no decisive battle had been fought, the Germans battle had been fought, the Germans were too exhausted to continue. were too exhausted to continue. Finally, on the 11th hour of the 11th Finally, on the 11th hour of the 11th day, of the 11th month Germany day, of the 11th month Germany agreed to an armistice (cease-fire). agreed to an armistice (cease-fire). In the end the war cost about 22 In the end the war cost about 22 million deaths, half of them civilians. million deaths, half of them civilians. 20 million more were wounded and 20 million more were wounded and 10 million were refugees. 10 million were refugees.

The U.S., despite being involved in The U.S., despite being involved in the actual fighting for only six the actual fighting for only six months, lost 48,000 men in battle, months, lost 48,000 men in battle, 200,000 wounded and another 200,000 wounded and another 62,000 died from disease. Combined 62,000 died from disease. Combined the world spent $180 billion, with the the world spent $180 billion, with the U.S. spending $22.6 Billion. With the U.S. spending $22.6 Billion. With the war over Americans expected to war over Americans expected to return back to normal life in America. return back to normal life in America. Many found their lives at home had Many found their lives at home had changed almost as much as those changed almost as much as those who had fought in Europe.who had fought in Europe.

Hollywood's first generation of horror Hollywood's first generation of horror films were a direct descendant of films were a direct descendant of World War I. Americans saw the World War I. Americans saw the newsreels and photographs of newsreels and photographs of damaged bodies, read tales of shell-damaged bodies, read tales of shell-shocked soldiers, and faced the shocked soldiers, and faced the trauma of war in a way no national trauma of war in a way no national audience had ever done. Prior to audience had ever done. Prior to World War I, casualties were hidden World War I, casualties were hidden away from the public, locked in the away from the public, locked in the attic and ignored. Tales of glory and attic and ignored. Tales of glory and heroism could whitewash the horror.heroism could whitewash the horror.

The Hunchback and the Phantom The Hunchback and the Phantom were men who, like many WWI were men who, like many WWI veterans, had to live with veterans, had to live with disfigurements. Many other films, disfigurements. Many other films, especially especially FrankensteinFrankenstein, recalled the , recalled the war’s bleak landscapes. Many in this war’s bleak landscapes. Many in this generation were profoundly generation were profoundly disturbed by the horrors that the war disturbed by the horrors that the war had unleashed.had unleashed.

Two of the 20,000 WWI “facial Two of the 20,000 WWI “facial casualties” with prostheses casualties” with prostheses

Between 1914 and 1921 over Between 1914 and 1921 over 41,000 men lost at least one limb as 41,000 men lost at least one limb as a result of their injuries, and this was a result of their injuries, and this was in the British armed forces alone.in the British armed forces alone.

Trench FootTrench Foot

The Home FrontThe Home Front

Watershed in US HistoryWatershed in US History

US steps out of IsolationismUS steps out of Isolationism Expansion of central governmentExpansion of central government America optimistic it could “fix” America optimistic it could “fix”

the world’s problemsthe world’s problems

Because WWI was such an immense Because WWI was such an immense conflict the entire economy had to conflict the entire economy had to be refocused on the war effort. The be refocused on the war effort. The shift from producing consumer goods shift from producing consumer goods to war supplies was too complicated to war supplies was too complicated and important a job to let big and important a job to let big business handle it on their own. Big business handle it on their own. Big business and the government had to business and the government had to work together to make this work work together to make this work right. In the process the power of right. In the process the power of the government was expanded the government was expanded greatly.greatly.

War Industries BoardWar Industries Board Congress gave Wilson the power to Congress gave Wilson the power to

direct much of the economy, direct much of the economy, including the power to fix prices and including the power to fix prices and to regulate certain war-related to regulate certain war-related industries. Bernard Baruch, a industries. Bernard Baruch, a prosperous businessman, was put in prosperous businessman, was put in charge. The 6 member board had charge. The 6 member board had representatives of Army, Navy, War representatives of Army, Navy, War Materials, Finished Products…Materials, Finished Products…

The board encouraged companies to The board encouraged companies to adopt mass-production techniques to adopt mass-production techniques to increase efficiency and to eliminate increase efficiency and to eliminate waste. The WIB also set production waste. The WIB also set production quotas and allocated raw materials quotas and allocated raw materials throughout the U.S. Under the WIB throughout the U.S. Under the WIB production throughout the U.S. production throughout the U.S. increased by 20%.increased by 20%.

The WIB had very little real power, The WIB had very little real power, though. It could intimidate, urge, though. It could intimidate, urge, negotiate…negotiate…

U.S. artillery being produced at U.S. artillery being produced at Bethlehem SteelBethlehem Steel

In reality the WIB could only control In reality the WIB could only control prices on the wholesale level. Retail prices on the wholesale level. Retail prices soared, and many prices soon prices soared, and many prices soon doubled from pre-war levels. Corporate doubled from pre-war levels. Corporate profits, especially in the chemical, profits, especially in the chemical, meatpacking, oil, and steel industries. meatpacking, oil, and steel industries.

The Railroad and Fuel Administrations The Railroad and Fuel Administrations also were given regulatory power. also were given regulatory power. Many people adopted “gasless Many people adopted “gasless Sundays”, and “lightless nights” to Sundays”, and “lightless nights” to conserve fuel.conserve fuel.

The War EconomyThe War Economy Wages in the U.S. rose during the war Wages in the U.S. rose during the war

years. Hourly wages for blue-collar years. Hourly wages for blue-collar workers rose by 20%. These incomes workers rose by 20%. These incomes were largely undercut by rising food were largely undercut by rising food prices and housing costs. In contrast, prices and housing costs. In contrast, many government contractors saw many government contractors saw huge profits. The DuPont Company huge profits. The DuPont Company saw its stock multiply 1600%between saw its stock multiply 1600%between 1914 and 1918. DuPont was earning 1914 and 1918. DuPont was earning $68 million/year.$68 million/year.

The pay gap between labor and The pay gap between labor and management increased greatly. management increased greatly. Work hours, child labor, and “sped-Work hours, child labor, and “sped-up” working conditions also grew up” working conditions also grew greatly. So did labor unions. Union greatly. So did labor unions. Union membership doubled to 4 million membership doubled to 4 million members, and they held 6,000 members, and they held 6,000 strikes during the war. To deal with strikes during the war. To deal with these disputed the National War these disputed the National War Labor Board was formed, their chief Labor Board was formed, their chief threat was that strikers could lose threat was that strikers could lose their draft exemptions. their draft exemptions.

Food AdministrationFood Administration The Food Admin. was set up to help The Food Admin. was set up to help

conserve and produce food. Herbert conserve and produce food. Herbert Hoover was made its leader. It gets Hoover was made its leader. It gets the US in a position to feed the war the US in a position to feed the war industry, not by rationing but by a industry, not by rationing but by a great coercion of the public. Hoover great coercion of the public. Hoover called for “Meatless”, “Sweetless”, called for “Meatless”, “Sweetless”, “Porkless” and “Wheatless” days.“Porkless” and “Wheatless” days.

Homeowners were convinced to Homeowners were convinced to plant “Victory Gardens” in their plant “Victory Gardens” in their yards. Schoolchildren spent their yards. Schoolchildren spent their time, after school, growing time, after school, growing vegetables in public parks. Farmers vegetables in public parks. Farmers put an additional 40 million acres put an additional 40 million acres into production, especially growing into production, especially growing wheat and other staples. As a result wheat and other staples. As a result of these efforts, food shipments to of these efforts, food shipments to the Allies tripled. the Allies tripled.

Financing the WarFinancing the War US starts out selling to all nations, US starts out selling to all nations,

and businessmen start to get richand businessmen start to get rich British blockade limits sales to Allies British blockade limits sales to Allies

onlyonly By early 1917 American companies By early 1917 American companies

had loaned $1.5 Billion to Allieshad loaned $1.5 Billion to Allies US economy geared up for producing US economy geared up for producing

war goodswar goods

The U.S. spent about $35.5 billion on The U.S. spent about $35.5 billion on the war effort, the government raised the war effort, the government raised about 1/3 of this through taxes. It about 1/3 of this through taxes. It raised the rest through public raised the rest through public borrowing by selling “Liberty Loans” borrowing by selling “Liberty Loans” and “Victory Loan” bonds to and “Victory Loan” bonds to Americans. The government sold Americans. The government sold these through tens of thousands of these through tens of thousands of volunteers, including movie stars. volunteers, including movie stars. Patriotic pressure was used to sell Patriotic pressure was used to sell these loans, saying only unpatriotic these loans, saying only unpatriotic people wouldn’t buy them.people wouldn’t buy them.

Secretary of Treasury-William Gibbs Secretary of Treasury-William Gibbs McAdoo (Wilson’s son-in-law) was McAdoo (Wilson’s son-in-law) was put in charge of this effort. The plan put in charge of this effort. The plan was to borrow from public to pay for was to borrow from public to pay for war, and keep inflation down!war, and keep inflation down!

The expansion of currency causes The expansion of currency causes spending & inflation in the U.S. In spending & inflation in the U.S. In many cases inflation causes prices to many cases inflation causes prices to raise to 5x prewar levels. raise to 5x prewar levels.

George Creel was put in charge of George Creel was put in charge of “popularizing” the war. He was the “popularizing” the war. He was the leader of the Committee on Public leader of the Committee on Public Information. He was a former Information. He was a former muckraker, and his propaganda muckraker, and his propaganda campaigns have been seen campaigns have been seen throughout this presentation. Creel throughout this presentation. Creel persuaded artists and advertising persuaded artists and advertising agents to create thousands of agents to create thousands of paintings, posters, and cartoons to paintings, posters, and cartoons to promote the war. These campaigns promote the war. These campaigns often used characters of different often used characters of different races and inflamed hatred. races and inflamed hatred.

Attacks on Civil LibertiesAttacks on Civil Liberties Both official and unofficial attacks on Both official and unofficial attacks on

Civil Liberties appeared during the war. Civil Liberties appeared during the war. The main targets of these attacks were The main targets of these attacks were Americans who had emigrated from Americans who had emigrated from other countries, especially Germany and other countries, especially Germany and Austria-Hungary. Many Americans with Austria-Hungary. Many Americans with German sounding names lost their jobs. German sounding names lost their jobs. Orchestras refused to play music by Orchestras refused to play music by Mozart, Bach and Beethoven.Mozart, Bach and Beethoven.

Finally, in a burst of patriotic fervor, Finally, in a burst of patriotic fervor, Americans changed the names of Americans changed the names of German measles to “liberty German measles to “liberty measles”, and hamburgers to measles”, and hamburgers to “Liberty sandwiches”. “Liberty sandwiches”.

In June 1917 Congress passed the In June 1917 Congress passed the Espionage and Sedition Acts. Under Espionage and Sedition Acts. Under these laws it was illegal to interfere these laws it was illegal to interfere with the war effort or say anything with the war effort or say anything disloyal about the government or the disloyal about the government or the war effort. war effort.

Violating these laws could bring fines Violating these laws could bring fines up to $10,000 and up to 20 years in up to $10,000 and up to 20 years in jail. These laws clearly violated the jail. These laws clearly violated the spirit of the First Amendment, but spirit of the First Amendment, but prosecutions still occurred. Socialists prosecutions still occurred. Socialists and labor leaders, like Eugene Debs and labor leaders, like Eugene Debs and “Big Bill” Haywood, were and “Big Bill” Haywood, were targeted. Debs was convicted and targeted. Debs was convicted and was sentenced to 10 years in prison was sentenced to 10 years in prison while Haywood got 30 years, for while Haywood got 30 years, for speaking out against the war. speaking out against the war.

Although Debs was sentenced to 10 Although Debs was sentenced to 10 years in prison, he only ended up years in prison, he only ended up serving 2 ½ years. President Harding serving 2 ½ years. President Harding commuted his sentence on Christmas commuted his sentence on Christmas Day in 1921. While in prison he had Day in 1921. While in prison he had run for president (1920 election) and run for president (1920 election) and received about 919,000 votes! received about 919,000 votes!

Big Bill Haywood never served his Big Bill Haywood never served his sentence because he fled the country, sentence because he fled the country, during an appeal, and wound up in the during an appeal, and wound up in the Soviet Union working with Lenin.Soviet Union working with Lenin.

The Great MigrationThe Great Migration

The greatest effect of WWI on The greatest effect of WWI on African-Americans’ lives was the African-Americans’ lives was the large-scale movement of hundreds of large-scale movement of hundreds of thousands of Southern blacks to thousands of Southern blacks to cities in the North. This population cities in the North. This population shift had begun before the war, when shift had begun before the war, when blacks were trying to escape the blacks were trying to escape the conditions of Jim Crow. Several conditions of Jim Crow. Several factors contributed to the factors contributed to the tremendous increase in black tremendous increase in black migration.migration.

Many blacks were escaping racial Many blacks were escaping racial discrimination in the South, which discrimination in the South, which made it hard to make a living and made it hard to make a living and threatened their lives.threatened their lives.

Economic opportunities in the South Economic opportunities in the South were shrinking while opportunities in were shrinking while opportunities in the North were increasing. Boll the North were increasing. Boll weevil infestations, floods, and weevil infestations, floods, and droughts hurt Southern agriculture. droughts hurt Southern agriculture. At the same time Henry Ford was At the same time Henry Ford was now hiring black workers.now hiring black workers.

During the war job opportunities in During the war job opportunities in steel mills, munitions plants, and steel mills, munitions plants, and stockyards. Northern manufacturers stockyards. Northern manufacturers were so in need of labor that they were so in need of labor that they distributed free railroad passes through distributed free railroad passes through the south. Once they got to the north the south. Once they got to the north they realized they still had to deal with they realized they still had to deal with discrimination. In addition to this they discrimination. In addition to this they had to deal with housing shortages and had to deal with housing shortages and increased racial tensions. Race riots increased racial tensions. Race riots broke out in several cities.broke out in several cities.

Women’s EffortsWomen’s Efforts During the war women were also During the war women were also

moving into jobs that were previously moving into jobs that were previously denied them. They became RR denied them. They became RR workers, cooks, dockworkers, mined workers, cooks, dockworkers, mined coal, worked in shipyards and were coal, worked in shipyards and were bricklayers. They also served in the bricklayers. They also served in the military, served with the Red Cross, military, served with the Red Cross, and planted victory gardens. and planted victory gardens. President Wilson acknowledged their President Wilson acknowledged their service, although they didn’t ever get service, although they didn’t ever get equal pay.equal pay.

Female ship rivetersFemale ship riveters

The Influenza EpidemicThe Influenza Epidemic

In the fall of 1918 the U.S. suffered a In the fall of 1918 the U.S. suffered a health epidemic that affected about health epidemic that affected about ¼ of the U.S. population. This was ¼ of the U.S. population. This was part of a larger, world-wide influenza part of a larger, world-wide influenza epidemic. The effect of this on the epidemic. The effect of this on the economy was devastating. Mines economy was devastating. Mines shut down, telephone service is cut shut down, telephone service is cut in half, factories, schools and offices in half, factories, schools and offices all shut down to stop contagion. all shut down to stop contagion. Cities ran out of coffins and bodies Cities ran out of coffins and bodies often lay unburied for weeks.often lay unburied for weeks.

This mysterious illness seemed to This mysterious illness seemed to strike completely healthy people and strike completely healthy people and death could occur in days. Doctors death could occur in days. Doctors didn’t know what to do and could didn’t know what to do and could only recommend cleanliness and only recommend cleanliness and quarantine effected people. The quarantine effected people. The army was affected even more. army was affected even more. Almost ¼ of all soldiers caught this Almost ¼ of all soldiers caught this disease. In total 500,000 Americans disease. In total 500,000 Americans died from the flu. (Maybe 30 million died from the flu. (Maybe 30 million died worldwide)died worldwide)

The Fourteen PointsThe Fourteen Points In January 1918 the representatives of In January 1918 the representatives of

the Allies met at the Palace of the Allies met at the Palace of Versailles. President Wilson was there Versailles. President Wilson was there to persuade the Allies to construct a to persuade the Allies to construct a plan to bring a lasting peace and to plan to bring a lasting peace and to establish a League of Nations. establish a League of Nations. Rejection was the last thing Wilson Rejection was the last thing Wilson expected when he arrived in Europe. expected when he arrived in Europe. Wilson’s plan was developed even Wilson’s plan was developed even before the war was over.before the war was over.

The key to his plan was called the The key to his plan was called the Fourteen Points. These points were Fourteen Points. These points were divided into three groups. The first divided into three groups. The first five points were supposed to prevent five points were supposed to prevent another war: 1) There should be no another war: 1) There should be no secret treaties among nations. 2) secret treaties among nations. 2) Freedom of the seas should be Freedom of the seas should be maintained for all. 3) Tariffs should be maintained for all. 3) Tariffs should be lowered in order to foster free trade. lowered in order to foster free trade. 4) Arms should be reduced. 5) 4) Arms should be reduced. 5) Colonial policies should also consider Colonial policies should also consider the interests of both colonial peoples. the interests of both colonial peoples.

The next eight dealt with boundary The next eight dealt with boundary changes, based on self-determination. changes, based on self-determination. Historical boundaries and ethnic Historical boundaries and ethnic groups should be used to decide groups should be used to decide where new nations should be formed. where new nations should be formed. The fourteenth point called for a The fourteenth point called for a League of Nations to provide a forum League of Nations to provide a forum for nations to discuss and settle their for nations to discuss and settle their grievances without having to resort to grievances without having to resort to war. Wilson didn’t understand the war. Wilson didn’t understand the anger of the Allied leaders. anger of the Allied leaders.

Treaty of VersaillesTreaty of Versailles The Allies were more worried about The Allies were more worried about

punishing the defeated nations and punishing the defeated nations and getting reparations (payments for war getting reparations (payments for war debts incurred) from Germany and debts incurred) from Germany and Austria-Hungary. The Big-Four worked Austria-Hungary. The Big-Four worked out the treaty’s details, with Wilson out the treaty’s details, with Wilson having little say in the results. In the having little say in the results. In the end the treaty was structured to punish end the treaty was structured to punish Germany, rather than create peace.Germany, rather than create peace.

The treaty established nine new The treaty established nine new nations including Poland, nations including Poland, Czechoslovakia, Yugoslavia, Finland, Czechoslovakia, Yugoslavia, Finland, Estonia, Lithuania, and Latvia. It shifted Estonia, Lithuania, and Latvia. It shifted the boarders of many nations and the boarders of many nations and carved five areas out of the Ottoman carved five areas out of the Ottoman Empire and gave them to Britain and Empire and gave them to Britain and France. They were to rule them until France. They were to rule them until they were ready for self-rule and they were ready for self-rule and independence. The treaty also barred independence. The treaty also barred Germany from maintaining an army.Germany from maintaining an army.

It also required Germany to return It also required Germany to return the region of Alsace-Lorraine to the region of Alsace-Lorraine to France and to pay reparations France and to pay reparations totaling $33 billion to the Allies. totaling $33 billion to the Allies. Finally, it required Germany to accept Finally, it required Germany to accept full responsibility for the war. In total, full responsibility for the war. In total, Germany was humiliated, stripped of Germany was humiliated, stripped of some of their most valuable lands some of their most valuable lands including colonies, and required to including colonies, and required to pay huge reparations without any pay huge reparations without any way of making that happen. way of making that happen.

Many countries, including the U.S., Many countries, including the U.S., opposed the treaty, but were forced opposed the treaty, but were forced to live with its conditions. When to live with its conditions. When Wilson returned home he faced Wilson returned home he faced strong opposition to the treaty. strong opposition to the treaty. Many believed its terms were too Many believed its terms were too harsh. Others thought it was simply harsh. Others thought it was simply helping the Allies continue with their helping the Allies continue with their imperialism. In the end the U.S. imperialism. In the end the U.S. refuses to sign the treaty. Because refuses to sign the treaty. Because of his support of it Wilson loses his of his support of it Wilson loses his political support.political support.

League of NationsLeague of Nations Because of U.S. opposition to the Because of U.S. opposition to the

Treaty of Versailles the U.S. also Treaty of Versailles the U.S. also opposed the League of Nations. Many opposed the League of Nations. Many conservative senators, headed by conservative senators, headed by Henry Cabot Lodge, push against both Henry Cabot Lodge, push against both the Treaty and the League. In the Treaty and the League. In Wilson’s fight to get the treaty Wilson’s fight to get the treaty accepted he suffered a stroke. With accepted he suffered a stroke. With his voice gone the Republicans carry his voice gone the Republicans carry the argument. The U.S. refused to join the argument. The U.S. refused to join the league of nations.the league of nations.

Effects of the WarEffects of the War After the was the U.S. calls for a return After the was the U.S. calls for a return

to, what Warren Harding called to, what Warren Harding called “normalcy”. The U.S. wanted to fade “normalcy”. The U.S. wanted to fade back into political obscurity, despite back into political obscurity, despite the fact that we had become one of the fact that we had become one of the most powerful nations in the the most powerful nations in the world. Now the government and army world. Now the government and army were much stronger. African-were much stronger. African-Americans and women were Americans and women were dissatisfied with how they were being dissatisfied with how they were being treated at home.treated at home.

The U.S. economy was booming, but The U.S. economy was booming, but producing only war goods. They producing only war goods. They needed to change back to consumer needed to change back to consumer goods, but that would take time. At goods, but that would take time. At the same time millions of soldiers are the same time millions of soldiers are returning home to no jobs, and our returning home to no jobs, and our economy falters. Europe is in ruins, economy falters. Europe is in ruins, both politically and socially, which both politically and socially, which leads to instability and eventually leads to instability and eventually conditions that will cause WWII.conditions that will cause WWII.