CHAPTER 23
WAR AND SOCIETY1914-1920
John M. Murrin, et al.
Liberty, Equality, PowerA History of the American People
The Great War
Long-term Causes Militarism Imperialism Nationalism System of Alliances
The Great War
Short-term cause Archduke Ferdinand (heir to throne in Austria-
Hungary) assassinated by Serbian nationalist in 1914 System of Alliances takes effect
“European” Great War
Wilson declared US neutrality Lusitania sunk by German U-boats
(submarines) in 1915 Germany signs Sussez pledge in 1916
Election of 1916
US Involvement
Germany announced unlimited submarine warfare = US breaks diplomatic relations
US Involvement
Zimmerman Note – proposed German-Mexican alliance
Russian Revolution – new government signed peace treaty with Germany prompting Allied intervention in Russian civil war
US Involvement
US Involvement
U.S. Declaration of War – April 6, 1917
Wilson’s Fourteen Points
Abolish secret treaties Freedom of the seas Arms limitations Self-determination Minority rights League of Nations
Mobilizing for War
Committee on Public Information George Creel Propaganda to support the war effort
Espionage & Sedition Acts Schenck v U.S.
Civil rights can be limited if there is a “clear and present danger’” of harm the U.S.
“liberty cabbage”
“liberty steak”
Mobilizing for War
Mobilizing for War
Cartoon by H. J. Glintenkamp from July 1917 issue of The Masses.
This cartoon was one of three cited by the Postmaster as violating the
Espionage Act.
Mobilizing for War
War Industries Board National War Labor Board
Mobilizing for War
Food Administration Hebert Hoover
Fuel Administration
Mobilizing for War
Government control of railroads legislation v. volunteerism
Liberty and Victory loans (2/3 initial cost)
Mobilizing for War
Conscription
US Troops “Over There”
General John (Black Jack) Pershing
US Operations in Europe
Dead Americans of the 38th Infantry at Mezy
July 21, 1918
Field of French and German dead in Champagne
Armenian Christians massacred by Turks
Russian Mass Grave
Americans burying their dead, Bois de Consenvoye, France, 8 Nov 1918
Americans burying their dead, Bois de Consenvove, FranceNovember 8, 1918
Modern War
Tanks
Modern War
Submarines
Modern War
Airplanes
Modern War
Gas
Modern War
Trench Warfare
Surrender – November 11, 1918
The Big Four Partisan perception of Wilson’s attendance
Compromise & the League of Nations
Treaty of Versailles
Vittorio Orlando - Italian premier who wanted territory promised in Treaty of London (1915), and maybe more.David Lloyd George - British prime minister who wanted the support of the British public by punishing Germany.Georges Clemenceau - French prime minister who wanted the Treaty to prevent Germany from attacking France ever again.Woodrow Wilson - American president who wanted the League of Nations formed, and a fair treaty for Germany.
Rhineland demilitarized War guilt Reparations Military restrictions on Germany
Treaty of Versailles
Ratification in the US Senate Irreconcilables & Reservationists opposed treaty Wilson went on speaking tour to garner support
Treaty of Versailles
Senate opinion on the treaty was divided into three distinct views:
Supporters. Democrats loyal to Wilson wanted the treaty to be ratified in its original form without any amendments or reservations; some within this group were receptive to a small number of minor changes.
Reservationists. This group claimed to be in favor of the treaty, but only after including a series of reservations prior to ratification. Senator Lodge of Massachusetts was the leader of this faction and was personally dedicated to frustrating the aims of his rival, Wilson. Other senators in this group sincerely favored the treaty, but wanted some modification to protect vital American interests. The Reservationists were the largest of the three factions.
Irreconcilables. Isolationist senators, including Robert M. La Follette of Wisconsin, William E. Borah of Idaho and Hiram Johnson of California, opposed the treaty and American entry into the League of Nations under any circumstances. They had counseled against entering the war in the first place and now opposed participation in European affairs.
Treaty of Versailles
Ratification in the US Senate Wilson collapsed on the speaking trail – then
suffered a major stroke in the White House Senate voted on the treaty with the Lodge
reservations attached
Treaty rejected - twice
Treaty of Versailles
Election of 1920
Warren G. Harding (Rep.) Promised a ‘return to normalcy’ Return to pre-WWI isolationism
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