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The United States Entry into World War I. At the start of the war ... . Woodrow Wilson declared a US policy of absolute neutrality . Why Neutrality? . 1/3 of the US population were either first or second generation immigrants from England, France, Germany, etc. - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
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The United States Entry into World War I
At the start of the war ... Woodrow Wilsondeclared a USpolicy of absoluteneutrality.
Why Neutrality?
1/3 of the US population were either first or second generation immigrants from England, France, Germany, etc.
American tradition of staying out of foreign wars – “it’s over there….”
Presidential Preference/Diplomacy
England and France have similar governments to the US, while Germany and AH are ruled by a monarchy
Reasons US Entered WWI
Submarine Warfare
British blockades of Germany strangled the country
Germany resorted to submarines to get around the blockades & to sink ships from any country supplying their enemy
Submarine Warfare
May 7, 1915 – German u-boats sunk a British passenger liner named the Lusitania
It had been loaded with over 4,000 cases of small arms destined for England
128 Americans died
Submarine Warfare
March 24, 1916 – German u-boats sunk French passenger liner named the Sussex
Many Americans were injured
Submarine Warfare
Germany signed the Sussex Pledge - stating they would announce themselves to ships before firing upon them
Asked US to help end blockade of Germany – we said NO!
Submarine Warfare
Germany had many starvingFeb. 1, 1917 – Germany breaks pledge & declare unrestricted submarine warfare
US breaks off relations with Central Powers
Zimmerman Note
Key Players
Arthur Zimmermann – German Foreign Minister
Von Eckhardt – German Ambassador in Mexico
Zimmermann Note
German Foreign Minister Arthur Zimmerman had proposed an alliance between Germany and Mexico, calling for Mexico to attack the US southern borders in order to re-capture their lost lands.
Zimmermann Note
The plan was to keep the US out of Europe long enough so that Germany could win the war before we arrived on behalf of the Allies.
Wilson released letter to press
Wilson’s War Message
April 2, 1917 – Wilson asked Congress to declare war
Stated “the world must be made safe for democracy.”
Congress declared war!
American Use of PropagandaGeorge Creel, former newspaperman, heads up the Committee on Public Information
Appointed by Woodrow Wilson after US entry into war
Used artists, writers, and speakers to “sell” the war to Americans
Propaganda to Engage CitizensPosters would use images and phrasing that would be familiar to the American public
Posters would also be specific for groups of people when necessary
THE DRAFT&
AMERICANS WHO FOUGHT
The Draft
The Selective Service Act of May 1917 was established to draft young men for the military service
Early on men age 21-31 were drafted – by late 1918 it extended to include men age 18-45
The Draft
By November 1918 more than 24 million had registered for the draft
From those a lottery selected 3 million to serve in the war
American Expeditionary Force (AEF)
Name of American Troops in the war
Led by General John Pershing
Women in the War
Filled a variety of roles in the war effort including caregivers (nurses) and home defense
A small number worked in the signal corps (communications)
Telephone Operators
Navy Nurses aboard USS George Washington in 1918
African Americans in the War
Many had no choice where to serve – only the Navy and Army accepted recruits
Served as laborers, delivery personnel, messengers, and in the kitchen (within the navy)
African Americans in the War
Several regiments were loaned out to the French and saw combat
The 369th Regiment or “Harlem Hell Fighters” was cited most for their bravery and as the first to reach the Rhine River in Germany
Sergeant Henry Johnson, 369th Infantry ("Harlem Hellfighters"), who single-handedly fought off a German raiding party to save his comrade, Private Needham Roberts, 1918.
African Americans Post-War
Frustrated at the freedoms that they experienced, but did not return to in the US
Experience (and freedom) overseas led to the early beginnings of the Civil Rights movement
Situation in Europe
Bolsheviks – Russian Communists over throw the Czar
Vladimir Lenin - leader of the Bolsheviks
Situation in Europe
March 3, 1918 – Russia signs treaty w/ Germany
March – May Germany pushed deep into France
June 3, 1918 – Germany 50 miles from Paris
End of World War I
Bulgaria surrenders on September 29, 1918
The Ottoman Empire (Turkey) surrenders on October 30, 1918
End of World War I
Austria-Hungary surrenders on November 3, 1918
11:00 AM, November 11, 1918, Germany surrenders
Around 15 Million people died in WWI
9 million soldiers
Approx. 21 million were wounded in WWI
Armistice TermsGermany left France, Belgium, Luxembourg
Surrender all war materials
Allies occupied German Territories
Wilson’s 14 Points
Wilson’s Plan for PeaceEnd Causes of War
No Secret TreatiesFreedom of the SeasReduction of Weapons
Wilson’s 14 Points
Self Determination – power to make decisions about one’s futureLiberate people whose lands were controlled by others
Big 4 Meeting
US – WilsonGB – David Lloyd GeorgeFrance – ClemenceauItaly – OrlandoWilson only one who wanted real peace!
Big 4 Meeting
Other leaders wanted to divide up Central Powers
Wilson compromised & created League of Nations
League of Nations
International peace keeping organization that would protect its members
Was unsuccessful because the US never joined
Congress prohibited it
Treaty of Versailles
1. German Colonies given to Allies
2. Alsace-Lorraine given to France
3. Border Changes for Italy, Greece, Romania, & Belgium
Treaty of Versailles
4. New Countries Created Czechoslovakia, Poland,, &
Yugoslavia5. Germany held responsible &
must reduce military6. Germany forced to pay
reparations