Chapter 11 – 2

American Power Tips the Balance

Vocabulary/Identification

Eddie Rickenbacker Selective Service Act convoy system American Expeditionary Force Gen. John J. Pershing Alvin York conscientious objector armistice

America Mobilizes

How did the U.S. raise an army? Called for volunteers

Played on nationalistic ideals of those being attacked.

Appealed to the notion of patriotism Instituted a draft

Required able bodied men to register for service

Section 11 – 2 Objectives

Students will be able to; Describe the step the U.S. took to get

ready for war. Identify and describe the new weapons

that were used during the war. Identify and describe the costs of the

war.

America Mobilizes

Uncle Sam, the symbol of America, was used to encourage men to enlist, demonstrating their patriotism or love of country, and willing to fight for its ideals.

America Mobilizes

How did U.S. soldiers help win the war? Brought a fresh, enthusiastic group of men to

the fighting. Helped stop the advances of the Germans

into Paris and several French cities. Provided needed help in the 2nd Battle of the

Marne Mounted offenses(attacked) at St. Mihiel and

Meuse-Argonne, turning the tide of war.

America Mobilizes

How did the U.S. build its navy? Like the army, called for volunteers Instituted a draft Accepted women volunteers Exempted(left out) shipyard worker from the

draft. Ran a public relations campaign to

emphasize the importance of shipyard work.

America Mobilizes

How did the U.S. build its navy? Began using pre-fabrication(molds, pre-built

parts) to construct ships faster. Took over commercial and private ships and

converted them for war.

America Mobilizes

How did the U.S. Navy help win the war? Broke through German blockades by;

using the convoy system, with the British, helped lay down a barrier of mines across the

North Sea, preventing German U-boats from having total control of the North Sea between Great Britain and France.

New Weapons and How They Affected the Outcome

Many new weapons were used during WWI.

These weapons included; Zeppelins – gas filled airships that were used

not only to spy on enemy positions, but also drop bombs.

machine guns – these weapons allowed a single gunner to shoot enough bullets, up to 600 per minute, equal to 40 soldiers.

New Weapons and How They Affected the Outcome

These weapons included; poisonous gas - A yellow-green chlorine fog

sickened, suffocated, burned, and blinded its victims.

tanks - were used to “mow down” barbed wire and soldiers.

airplanes - WWI planes had a front-mounted machine gun for “dogfights.” Planes were also loaded with bombs.

Adding up the cost of War….

Death during WWI totaled more than 30 million. These are broken down as follows; Civilians – 11 million Military deaths (all sides) – about 11 million Injuries (all sides, military/civilian) 20 million Refugees (all sides) – 10 million

Adding up the cost of War….

Adding up the cost of War….

Economic cost of the war, including lost of live amounted to more than $338 million dollars. These losses were mainly from bombing and

long range cannons, which were used against civilian targets in cities.

Aircraft and long-range guns were even used to fire on civilian targets—libraries, cathedrals, and city districts. The biggest guns could shell a city from 75 miles.

Adding up the cost of War….

The human cost of the war proved to be the most difficult to calculate.

American soldiers returned home with many war related disorders. Standing in wet trenches often led to ‘trench

foot’, with often resulted in the soldier’s foot being amputated.

Other maladies included; shell shock, dysentery, and the effects of poison gas.

Adding up the cost of War….

The War Ends…. The collapse of Germany began on

November 3, 1918. November 9, 1918, the Kaiser was

forced to give up the throne. At the same time, a new German

Republic was established. At the 11th hour, of the 11th day of

November the armistice was signed, officially ending World War I