Transcript world war i
WORLD WAR I WORLD WAR I Tensions High in Europe 1. Nationalism 1. different ethnic groups demanding self rule (Serbs, Croats, Czechs) too much foreign rule 2. fervently devoted to interests of own nations 2. Imperialism 1. colonial competition for power 3. Militarism 1. preparing for war, military build up 2. 1870-1914 military spending in Europe increased 300% 4. Rival Alliances 1. Triple Alliance - Germany’s attempt to isolate France (Germany, Austria-Hungary) 2. Triple Entente - France’s response (France, Great Britain, Russia) Assassination • Archduke Franz Ferdinand - June 28, 1914 • Gavrilo Princip Serbian nationalist • Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia - July 28, 1914 American Neutrality • Why Neutral? – Economy • $700 million GNP 1898 • $3.5 billion in 1914 • President Woodrow Wilson – 1st three years of WWI--GNP increased 7x • Public Opinion? – 92 mil population • 30 mil immigrants – Who’s for Allied Powers – Who’s for Central Powers • Germans/Austrians, Irish, American Jews The Trenches Trench Warfare • Size and strength of militaries were equal • New Technologies – Big Bertha, flame thrower, hand grenades, tanks, chemical weapons etc. • Stalemate • Trench Warfare – – – – living conditions trench foot over the top no man’s land The Technology of War The Technology of War The Technology of War The Technology of War Causes of US Entering the War • Unterseeboot - U-Boats – Germany violates international law p. 571 – went undetected and attacked without warning – Wilson issued two warnings about cutting off diplomatic relations with Germany – British used propaganda in US • Lusitania – British liner carrying weapons – 128 Americans on board perished – Sussex Pledge • Germans promised that Uboats would warn ships before attacking • Zimmerman Telegram – From: Arthur Von Zimmerman To: German Ambassador in Mexico • Russian Revolution - if US entered war they did not want to support a czar or king - 1917 • Events and contributing factors that led the U.S. into the war were • The United States strong pro-English leanings, • Wilson's belief in democracy as the most humane and Christian form of government, • American investments in Allied countries, • The interception of the Zimmerman telegram-which revealed Germany's attempt to bring Mexico into the war on their side, • Germany's unrestricted submarine warfare, which cost the United States heavily in lives and goods • The necessity of keeping the trade doors open for the economic survival of the United States, and primarily, • Wilson's fear of a German victory, a victory which would mean the domination and conquest of countries that would bring an end to all of Wilson's dreams of peace and democracy. Supplying the Allies • The American entry into the war made an immediate difference. • The United States Navy helped the British find and destroy German submarines. • Convoys–teams–of navy destroyers escorted groups of merchant ships across the Atlantic, reducing Allied shipping losses from 900,000 to 300,000 tons a month. Russian Withdrawal • In November 1917, the Bolsheviks, a group of communists, overthrew the democratic Russian government. • Led by Vladimir Lenin, the Bolsheviks wanted to end Russia’s participation in the war. • In March 1918, the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk was signed with Germany, surrendering territory to the Germans. • The Germans were able to move troops from the Eastern Front–line of battle–to the Western Front in France. German Offensive • The Germans now launched a powerful offensive against the Allies, pushing them back to within 50 miles of Paris. • It suddenly looked as if Germany might win the war. • Although the first American soldiers had reached France in June 1917, many months passed before they were ready for battle. • When they finally began to fight, the Americans helped turn the war around. Americans on the European Front How did American troops help the Allies win the war? Women serve as 3 million drivers, Americans nurses, and Americans join served with clerks the Allied African American counterattack Expeditionary American 369th against Infantry Force Germans, Regiment fights forcing for the French Germany’s Army. Entire American surrender in regiment troops help 1918 awarded save Paris from France’s highest German attack combat medal American Expeditionary Force • General John J. Pershing led the American troops in Europe, the American Expeditionary Force (AEF). • The AEF reached full strength in Europe in the spring of 1918. • The French and British wanted to use the American soldiers to build up their own troops, but General Pershing preferred to keep the AEF a separate force. Americans in Action • turned back a German offensive at Château-Thierry on the Marne River and then advanced to nearby Belleau Wood. • By the middle of July, the Allies had stopped the German offensive and began an offensive of their own. • In mid-September 550,000 American troops defeated the Germans at Saint Mihiel, east of Verdun. • Then, American troops joined the Allies in the Battle of the Argonne Forest (seven weeks) • In early November, the Allies finally pushed back the Germans and broke through the enemy lines. Section 3-4a Section 3-4b On the Home Front To strengthen the war effort, the American government expanded its control over the economy and brought changes to American society. Committee on Public Education Rallies popular support for the war with films, posters, and pamphlets Literacy Test for Immigrants Law passed forcing immigrants to prove they can read before entering the country. Led to Anti-German feelings Daylight Savings Time Price Controls ENFORCING LOYALTY Rationing The Sedition Act of 1918 Makes it illegal to make “disloyal” statements about the U.S. government or military Espionage Act of 1917 Passed in response to fears that German secret agents might try to weaken American war effort. Act makes it illegal to interfere with the draft Controlling Public Opinion • Many Americans were opposed to the war. – Some German Americans and Irish Americans sympathized with the Central Powers. – Many socialists–people who believe industries should be publicly owned–and pacifists–people opposed to the use of violence–opposed the war. – Some of the strongest antiwar sentiment came from women’s groups such as the Women’s Peace Party. Controlling Public Sentiment • In 1917 Congress passed the Espionage Act, which provided stiff penalties for espionage– spying–as well as for aiding the enemy or interfering with army recruiting. • The Sabotage and the Sedition Acts of 1918 made it a crime to say, print, or write almost anything perceived as negative about the government. • Such actions would be considered sabotage– secret action to damage the war effort. Wilson’s 14 Points • As the world was ready to punish Germany, the US called for a peaceful solution • 14 points summarized – – – – – end secret agreements freedom of seas, trade, limit on arms peaceful settle of disputes over colonies national self-determination 14th point - “general association of nations” that would ensure the security and peace for all nations --- League of Nations Global Peacemaker Wilson’s plan met opposition at home and in Europe American economy slows as wartime production ends UNITED STATES AFTER THE WAR Returning troops face difficult adjustment to civilian society Many women and minority workers faced with loss of jobs as men return to workforce Despite contribution to war effort, returning African American troops continue to face discrimination and segregation Death and destruction of war leads to feeling of gloom among Americans Section 5-10a Section 4-8a Section 5-3a