A Era of Change The students will examine the impact of U.S. involvement in World War I and identify the key developments in the aftermath of WWI.
Feb 12, 2016
A Era of ChangeThe students will examine the impact of
U.S. involvement in World War I and identify the key developments in the
aftermath of WWI.
WWI CausesMilitarism- The policy of glorifying military power
and keeping an army prepared for war. Romantic
Arms race- European countries began to try and out build each other, whoever had the largest Army or Navy was seen as powerful, becomes an “Ego Thing”.
Schlieffen Plan- a strategy by Germany to fight a two front war against Russia and France. It calls for Germany to attack France through Belgium, seize Paris, then turn and attack Russia.
WWI Causes cont’d..Alliance system- European nations feared and
distrusted each other, so to keep from “fighting” they created alliances to defend each other.
Triple Alliance- Germany, Austria-Hungary and Italy.
Triple Entente- France, Russia and Great Britain.
Problem?-
WWI Causes Cont’d….Nationalism- A deep devotion and pride to one’s
country.
Imperialism- Economic rivalries between European nations led to conflicts over land and resources all over the world. This almost led to war before and with competition heating up, tensions were on the rise
Assassination-June 28th, 1914 Archduke Ferdinand and his wife are assassinated by Gavrilo Princip of the Black Hand a terrorist group.
WWI Inventions and WarfareNew Weapons of War- Machine Gun, Poison Gas,
Tank, Airplane, Smokeless Gunpowder and Submarine.
1. Impact- All of these new weapons contributed to a brutal and bloody war that shook the people of Europe as millions die and war is no longer romantic.
WWI WarfareTrench Warfare- Both sides dug miles of trenches
opposite each other. The area between them was called “No Man’s Land”- for the entire war no side gained anything more than a few yards of territory but lost millions of men.
Total War- This is when an entire nation devotes itself to war, everything is directed to making weapons and clothes for soldiers.
Propaganda Campaign- Each side uses radio and newspapers to show the others as evil and convince their people and others that they are fighting for a good cause.
U.S. Reaction to WWIAmerican people- are shocked that Europe went to warWoodrow Wilson- As president he held true to the tradition of
foreign policy established by Washington.
1. Initial position – no alliances with European nations, remain neutral.2. Issues with Neutrality- Maintaining trade status and Ship seizures.
U.S. Positions during the War shift dramatically- 1. Content Neutral Country2. Country Waging a War for Peace3. Victorious World Power4. Alienated, Isolationist Nation
US Dragged into WWISubmarine warfare – Germans began using
submarines against passenger and unarmed shipsLusitania – British passenger ship carrying 128
AmericansSussex – unarmed merchant ship, several
Americans.
Sussex pledge (1916) – Germans agreed not to sink merchant or passenger ships, lasted the rest of the year.Germany did not want US to enter war as British
ally
US Entry into WWI – Economic Country focused on the economic rebound
caused by supplying European nations during wartime- 100% of all trade centered on the Allied nations
No trade with Germany- British Blockade kept American ships from maintaining any trade
Loans to Allies- provided by American bankers, this provided financial prosperity for the U.S. while helping the Allies fund the war.
War Debate British War Propaganda – news sent from Britain
that told only atrocities committed by German soldiers.Lusitania crisis - certain Americans felt US should
enter the warNational Defense Act (preparedness) – Wilson
asked congress to expand armed forces. This caused tremendous controversy as it was seen as a step toward war.
Opposition to preparedness- felt by many Americans (Progressives, Populist and Socialist- Jane Addams)
Election of 1916- Wilson campaign based on maintaining peace
Decision for War(Jan 1917) Unrestricted submarine warfare-
Germany resumes knowing it can bring the U.S. into the war but believed they could win the war if they cut off supplies to the Allies.
(Mar 1 1917) Zimmerman Telegram – Germany tried to ally itself with Mexico, pledged to help them recover lost territories (Texas, New Mexico, Arizona)
(Mar 1917) Germans sank 5 US merchant ships
(Apr 1917) Declaration of war against Germany
Russia Gets OutRussian Revolution 1917- Two revolutions break
out this year as the people and soldiers in the army are starving and tired of fighting.
March Revolution- The 1st revolution was a democratic one against the Czar, but they make a fatal mistake and decided to remain in the war.
Bolshevik Revolution- Three months later a Communist revolution takes place led by Lenin, they withdraw Russia from the war.
1. Communism- economic, political system, single-party government, ruled by dictator, no private property
Domestic Impact of WarSelective Service Act (draft)– Random selection
process so that all groups would be called into serviceEspionage and Sedition Act – 20 year prison
sentence for inciting rebellion in the armed forces or obstructing the draft. Sedition centered on anyone making disloyal or abusive remarks about the U.S. governmentEugene Debs Socialist Party leader - jailed in Atlanta
for violating the Espionage and Sedition Act. Women at work – 1st time everDaylight Savings Time- designed to save fuel Migration of workers – Mexicans and African-
Americans took advantage of the open jobs in the north
End of WWIFinal Showdown- In 1918 Germany launched a huge
offensive to try and break the stalemate but with American troops the allies stop the attack.
Armistice- Signed in November 11, 1918 Germany still hasn’t lost the people are tired of fighting, they revolt and overthrow the government and sign for peace.
Treaty of Versailles- officially ends the war
Wilson’s Fourteen PointsRecognition of freedom of the seasEnd the practice of making secret treatiesReduce national armamentsImpartial adjustment of colonial claimsSelf-determination for the various nationalities
within the Austro-Hungarian empireGeneral body made up of all nations to guarantee
political independence and territorial integrity to all (The League of Nations)
Treaty of VersaillesBig Four- Italy, France and Great Britain can’t wait to
get Germany, U.S. wants to shape a long lasting peace.
Germany Destroyed- 1. Colonies- stripped from Germany2. Disarmament- Lost its army and navy3. War Guilt and Reparations- Germany was forced to accept responsibility for the war and pay France and Great Britain a huge sum of money. 4. This treatment will lead to a bitter and angry Germany and pave the way for the rise of Adolph Hitler.
League of Nations- An international peacekeeping organization, each member is suppose to be ready to protect the territorial integrity of each other. NO POWER/WASTE
Senate Decisions change the U.S.Senators objected to The League of Nations (Treaty
of Versailles)Might interfere with US SovereigntyMay cause European nations to interfere with the
Western Hemisphere
Treaty voted on and defeated twice
Never voted to join The League of Nations, made the league weak without the most powerful country.
Key Problems After WWICurrent National Pulse - Unhappy with peace
process, growing fears, Communist takeover in Russia, and labor unrest at home
Red Scare – In 1919 Anti-German feelings turned into hysteria about Communism
Fueled by threats of riots, that never took placeEnded quicklyIsolationism- pulling away from world affairs becomes
popularNativism- prejudice against foreign-born people sweeps
nation
Immigrant RestrictionThe Quota System- sets maximum number can enter U.S.
from each country.1919–1921, number of immigrants grows almost 600%sharply reduces European immigration1924, European arrivals cut to 2% of number of residents
in 1890Discriminates against southern, eastern EuropeansProhibits Japanese immigration; causes ill will between
U.S., JapanDoes not apply to Western Hemisphere; many Canadians,
Mexicans enter
Additional Problems After WWI Men return from the war, take back jobs from
women and African- Americans
Business boom fell flat – no need for high production after the war
Farmers suffered with falling prices, no longer shipping food to Europe
Inflation caused by short consumer buying sprees
1921 – Recession hit, 10% unemployment rate
The 1920’s – A New EraPresident Harding- not spectacular, he is a return
to pre-Roosevelt Republican politics
Harding Cabinet- he appoints a group of great men to help guide his presidency.
1. Ohio Gang- friends of Harding who are appointed to positions, they are corrupt.
2. Teapot Dome- the Ohio Gang was caught by Congress accepting bribes and kickbacks for oil leases near Teapot Dome, Wyoming.
3. Death- Harding dies suddenly of a heart attack during the summer 0f 1923, never implemented in the scandals.
The 1920’s - Business“The Business of America is Business”
President Coolidge- President from 1923-1928. 1. Coolidge favors little government
interference with businesses, this encourages a flourishing economy
Consumer goods- fuel the business boom of the 1920s as America’s standard of living soars.
Lengthy period of prosperity (1922 – 1928) ends in disaster
Causes of Business ProsperityIncreased productivity – improved processes for
mass production (Frederick Taylor and Scientific Management)
Energy technology – increased use of oil and electricity more than 300% to power factories and homes
Government policy – tax cuts offered to businesses, no enforcement of antitrust laws
Income of middle class and working class increased – more money for goods
Impact of the AutomobileHenry Ford- The “Father of Mass Production”
1. Assembly Line- Parts flow down a conveyer belt, each part a small section of a greater machine
2. Division of Labor- Each person on an assembly line does one job repeatedly until a machine is put together.
3. Mass Production- Assembly Line allows for high production of goods at a cheap cost.
4. Model T- millions are made and sold in America cheaply by Ford
Impact of the AutomobileKey: Replaced railroad industry as the key promoter
of economic growth
Influenced the success of several industries - steel, glass, rubber, gasoline, highway construction, motels, gas stations and shopping centers.
Affected everything people did - shopping, leisure travel, commuting to work, dating, by 1920 1 out of 5 Americans had a car
Created new problems - traffic jams, injuries, death, need for roads, urban sprawl
The 1920’s – A New EraChanging Ways of Life
The Prohibition Experiment• 18th Amendment launches Prohibition era - supported by religious groups, rural South, West- Prohibition-production, sale, transportation of
alcohol illegalGovernment does not budget enough money to
enforce the law
Speakeasies- hidden bars and nightclubs become fashionable
Bootleggers- smuggle alcohol from surrounding countries
Effect of ProhibitionOrganized Crime
• Prohibition contributes to organized crime in major cities
• Al Capone controls Chicago liquor business by killing competitors- The St. Valentine’s Day Massacre
• By mid-1920s, only 19% support Prohibition
• 21st Amendment overturns the 18th in 1933
Creationism vs. EvolutionThe Scopes “Monkey” Trial- In 1925, Tennessee passes law
making it a crime to teach evolution
American Civil Liberties Union- backs John T. Scopes challenge of law
Clarence Darrow- most famous trial lawyer of day, defends Scopes
Prosecutor- William Jennings Bryan is special prosecutor1. Fundamentalist- believe in the literal interpretation
of the Bible, reject the theory of evolution
Scopes trial- debates evolution, role of science, religion in school national sensation; thousands attend
1. Scopes found guilty, the law is overturned in 1968
The Twenties WomanThe Flapper The Double StandardFlapper—emancipated
young woman, adopts new fashions, attitudes
Many young women want equal status with men, become assertive
Middle-class men, women begin to see marriage as equal partnership
- housework, child-rearing still woman’s job
Elders disapprove new behavior and its promotion by periodicals, ads
Casual dating begins to replace formal courtship
Women subject to double standard (less sexual freedom than men)
-Young Women Change the Rules
Education and Popular CultureMass media shapes mass culture; takes advantage of
greater literacy1920s, mass-market magazines thrive; Reader’s
Digest, Time foundedRadio is most powerful communications medium of
1920sNetworks provide shared national experience, can
hear news as it happensPeople have extra money, leisure time to enjoy itCrowds attend sports events; athletes glorified by
mass media
Harlem Renaissance –A Cultural Expression
Harlem, New York – Largest African American community in the North, famous for artistic talent
Leading poets –Countee Cullen, James Weldon Johnson wrote the Negro National Anthem, NAACP Civil Rights leader
Langston Hughes – Notable author, poet, and play writers, Theme for English B
Zora Neale Hurston – Extremely influential author, wrote about poor, Southern blacks
Jazz Age – Jazz became popular during this era white teens like it as a rebellious act, African Americans enjoyed the music
Key Jazz Artists – Duke Ellington, Louis ArmstrongLangston Hughes1902 - 1967
Is the Prosperity Superficial?Almost 40% of Americans lived in poverty rangeIncome gap between managers and workers
grewIron, railroad industries not prosperous; farms
suffer lossesBuying goods on credit
Installment plan—pay for goods over extended period with interest
Some economists, business owners think installment buying excessive