the great war 1914-1918. the beginning of the great war
TRANSCRIPT
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