THE GREAT WAR

1914-1918

The Beginning of the Great War http://www.timetoast.com/timelines/542

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American Neutrality

Foreign policy tradition Trading rights

Freedom of the seas?

Great Britain declares naval blockade against Germany, seizing all ships running the blockade

America Too!

Wilson’s Response

German Response

The submarine is introduced into WWI as Germany announces its own blockade, threatening to sink on site any ships near the British Isles

Sinking of the Lusitania

British “passenger” liner, the Lusitania, is sunk on May 7, 1915

128 Americans drown

How Neutral? (mo money mo problems)

American business interests J.P. Morgan’s loans to Britain and France 4x trade with Allies, 0 trade with

Germany

But, still…

“We must be impartial in thought, as well as action.” America was neither

Majority of native-born Americans supported Britain and France

British propaganda influenced Americans

So, Just in Case

National Security League organized soon after European war began.

Roosevelt and other Republicans recognized inadequate Army and Navy

“Preparedness” Initially against preparedness, Wilson got

the National Defense Act passed in June 1916

Any Objections?

Americans in the Midwest and West feared “preparedness” would lead us America to war

Populists, Progressives, Socialists, and Women Suffragists actively campaigned against involvement

“He kept us out of war”

Roosevelt declines the Progressive Party’s nomination, rejoins the Republicans.

Republicans nominate Charles Evans Hughes

http://www.270towin.com/

Wilson Declares War

Woodrow Wilson declared war only one month after being sworn into office because ofA. Submarines B. Business

InterestsC. Russian Revolution

D. National Security League

Why? How?

Wilson’s Peace Without Victory Speech- Jan.1917

Unrestricted Submarine Warfare- Jan. 1917

The Zimmermann Telegram- Jan. 1917 (US receives in late Feb. 1917 from Britain)

Wilson’s Second Inaugural Address- March 1917

U.S. declares war on Germany- April 6, 1917

Wilson’s Peace Without Victory Speech- Jan.1917 Group 1

Unrestricted Submarine Warfare- Jan. 1917

Group 2

The Zimmermann Telegram

Jan. 1917 (US receives in late Feb. 1917 from Britain)

Group 3

Wilson’s Second Inaugural Address- March 1917

Group 4

U.S. declares war on Germany- April 6, 1917

Group 5

America at War

Why did the US have a difficult time staying out of World War I? In a short essay, respond to the following

prompt. Make sure to include events from 1914 up to the immediate causes.

Fighting the War

Germany was preparing a knockout blow so the US had to mobilize quickly.

War Industries Board set production priorities and set controls over raw materials and prices.

Food Administration, led by Herbert Hoover.

Fuel Administration to save coal. Daylight savings time.

Dolla Dolla Bills Y’all

Government raised $33 billion in two years through loans, taxes, and bonds.

The Armed Forces

Selective Service Act of 1917 called 2.8 million men to serve. 4.7 million total Americans served.

Segregation applied to the army, with 400,000 African American soldiers. Only a few became officers.

Public Opinion

Propaganda agency, Committee on Public Information, led by George Creel

Espionage and Sedition Acts

Espionage Act of 1917- 20 years in prison for inciting rebellion in armed forces or obstructing the draft

Sedition Act of 1918- no disloyal or abusive remarks about US government

2,000 prosecuted, half were jailed Schenck v. United States

What’s Going on at Home?

Women enter the workforce Mexican immigration African American migration north

Fighting the War

Armed escorts for merchant ships to Britain

American Expeditionary Force commanded by General John J. Pershing

US troops filled in French and British lines, then took control of the Western front

American victory at Belleau Wood, Meuse River through the Argonne Forest

Armistice Day

November 11, 1918 Germany signed armistice to surrender

arms, give up much of their navy, and evacuate occupied territory

“Peace Without Victory”

Wilson’s Fourteen Points Recognition of freedom of the seas End of secret treaties Reduction of national armaments “impartial adjustment of all colonial claims” Self-determination for nations within

Austro-Hungarian Empire

League of Nations

Treaty of Versailles

The Big Four- Georges Clemenceau- France David Lloyd George- Great Britain Woodrow Wilson- USA Vittorio Orlando- Italy

Sought revenge and compensation

Peace…and Victory!

Germany disarmed and stripped of colonies in Asia, Africa

Admit guilt for war, pay huge reparations to Britain, France

Self-determination for former German territories

League of Nations- each nation ready to protect other nations

Ratification

Republicans concerned with League of Nations

Irreconcilables- no entry into League, no matter what

Reservationists- could accept the League if reservations were added

Wilson goes all in, touring country for support

Ratification fails in 1919 and 1920