Presentation Transcript

1. The War Winds Downbringing an end to the Great War

2. War of Attrition Little progress had been made since the outbreak of war in 1914. Trench warfare made it difficult to push the enemy back and gain territory. The inability to defeat the enemy forced leaders on both sides to realize that the only way the war could be won was by the enemy running out of resources: soldiers, weapons, and food.
3. The United States For the majority of WWI America remained uninvolved – they held an ISOLATIONIST view (if it isn't here then it doesn't affect us) and remained NEUTRAL (they didn't want to take sides) Saw the war as a European conflict that did not involve them Did not want troops killed in a far off battle Felt goals of warring powers were mainly selfish

4. 1917 – A Decisive Year – Why?

5. Turning Point of 1917 #1 – The United States Enters the War The United States of America joins the Triple Entente The United States eventually joined the Triple Entente Financial investment with the Allies The unwarranted killing of civilians: Condemned the German invasion of neutral Belgium Protested the sinking of Lusitania and unrestricted submarine warfare Zimmerman telegram (Americans discover German telegram to Mexico offering their support if Mexico attacks US for previously lost land – Texas, New Mexico, etc.) April 6, 1917: the United States of America declares war.
6. Why Did the U.S. Enter the War Reason 1: Monetary Investment The American government initially tried to remain “friends” with both sides of the conflict; ties with the Allies strengthened when there was financial motivation behind it: the American government lent the Allies $2 billion, and the American public purchased $2 billion in British and French war bonds. They now had a monetary interest in the Allies winning the war.
7. Why did the US enter the war Reason 2: Unrestricted Submarine Warfare To defeat the British, the Germans relied on the use of UNRESTRICTED SUBMARINE WARFARE, vowing to sink any ship, armed or unarmed, military or civilian. This went against international law which required that unarmed/civilian ships not be sunk without providing for the safety of passengers and crews.
8. 2(a) The Sinking of the Lusitania The use of unrestricted submarine warfare led to the sinking of the LUSITANIA in 1915. The Lusitania was a British passenger liner. Nearly 1200 passengers drowned, including 128 Americans. Some of the American public were outraged, and demanded that the American government retaliate, however President Wilson remained neutral.
9. 2(b) The Sussex Pledge Then, in 1916, the Germans torpedoed a French passenger ship called the SUSSEX, injuring several Americans on board. President Wilson decided to issue a final warning to the Germans after this, demanding that the German government abandon Unrestricted Submarine Warfare or risk war with the United States. The German government did not wish to strengthen the Allies by having the U.S. join the war on their side, so they agreed to: Compensate the Americans who were injured on the Sussex Not sink any more merchant/civilian ships without warning. This was called the SUSSEX PLEDGE, which effectively kept the Americans out of the war a little longer.
10. 2(c) U.S.W. – Unrestricted Submarine Warfare By 1917, the Germans were facing defeat. On February 3, 1917, they decided to resume unrestricted submarine warfare in order to defeat the British and the allies, announcing that all vessels in waters near Great Britain, France and Italy would be sunk without warning. This was in direct violation of the Sussex Pledge, but the German government believed that even if it brought the Americans into the war, they would not be able to raise an army and transport it to Europe in time to prevent the Allies from collapsing. Wilson responded by breaking off diplomatic relations with Germany.
11. Why Did the US Enter the War Reason #3: The Zimmerman Telegram In January 1917, British intelligence intercepted and deciphered a telegram that was sent from German Foreign Minister Arthur Zimmermann to the German Minister to Mexico, von Eckhardt, offering United States territory to Mexico in return for joining the German cause. In order to let anti-German sentiment rise in the United States, the British waited until February 24 and then passed this information on to the American government.
12. The Zimmerman Telegram Cryptogram  FGAF AAAV XADG AVXV ADAD DVDD DVGA   VXVD XDVD DFAF DXGX GDDG AVFD VX   VAAF XGDA DXVD DXDA VXXV   AAAV DAVX DAVV GDDX AVDG DXGX VXVD VFVV AFDX AVAF  VXDX VDFD AFXA VVVF AVAF VVVV VADG XVAX AFDG GXFX AFAV VADG DFVF AXVD VXXF DAVX GDVA AFXG DADX VDVF AVAF VFDG AVAF VXVD AXAF DGXD AFAF VAAA DGVV VVXV VDDF VVGD VDAV VXDF VDVX DADX AF    AAAF AVDF VVVX VDAV FGFG XFDG VVGD DADF FXV  XVDD FFDDX   February 22, 1917 To: von EckhardtMexico City British crack top secret code. U.S. press may leak German plot with Mexico. Prepare to leave embassy on short notice. BernstorffWashington, D.C
13. The Zimmerman Telegram DADF DVDD DVGA VXGD AF XADF DAVX AFFD VVVX DGVX AFVV VDFG DGVA AFAV DADX DGGG VDDA DFVV VXGD AFVX AVDA VFAX AFAF DFVX AFDF VXAF
14. The Zimmerman Telegram ANSWER: In 1917 the United States of American Joins the Triple Entente
15. Turning Points of 1917
16. Turning Point #2: The Russian Revolution Russia leaves the Triple Entente Russians suffering extensive losses Weak leader, Czar Nicholas – many oppositions (strikes) The Czar abdicates his throne (gives it up), and a provisional government is put in power. Had many problems, one being that other parties, like the Communist party, wanted to rule. Russian communist leader, Lenin, promises people food and land and calls for a revolution against the government. The revolution was successful and Russia negotiates a peace treaty with Germany - ended fighting on the Eastern Front.
17. What Happened in Canada in 1917? The Military Service Act (Conscription) was passed, introducing concription. By 1917, people were no longer volunteering for the war. There were more casualties than enlistments Borden’s only option was Conscription; it became the issue of the 1917 election. Supported by families with men already overseas and English Canadians. Opposed by Western farmers and French Canadians.
18. The Halifax Explosion (December 6, 1917) During WWI, Halifax was used as a naval base for the Triple Entente. Used as a military fortress by the British since 1749. WWI meant big business for Halifax and it became a key location in shipping supplies. Halifax harbour was very busy, and there were problems with boat traffic; collisions were frequent and common. To protect the harbour from enemy attack (U-Boats), anti-submarine nets were used. The attack did not come from the enemy. The use of these nets set the stage for the explosion.
19. So, what happened...? A French Munitions ship (Mont Blanc) collided with a Belgian relief ship (Imo) The Mont Blanc was carrying explosives (2.6 million kilograms) and was heading to the harbour to join a convoy; it was late and had to wait until the nets reopened. The Imo was late leaving the harbour and had to wait until the nets reopened. A comedy of errors... The gates opened and the ships began making their way in and out. Mistake 1: the Imo was speeding Mistake 2: the Imo passed another vessel in the wrong lane Mistake 3: the Imo meets the Mont Blanc head on; doesn’t give the right of way Mistake 4: both ships take evasive manoeuvres and steer into each other.
20. “A taste of hell” When the ships collided, the Mont Blanc caught fire. The crew abandoned the ship. The people of Halifax crowded around to watch. 9:04am – the Mont Blanc explodes Impact of the Explosion The largest, non-atomic, man-made explosion in history. Was felt over 100 kilometres away Created a tsunami (as high as 18 metres) 1,600 people were killed 9,000 people were injured 6,000 people were homeless
21. The Last Hundred Days of the War After Russia surrenders, Germany launches a major offensive to capture Paris – it was a last effort to win the war. However, they were met by the Allies, with 500, 000 fresh troops from the USA
22. The Last Hundred Days During what became known as the “Hundred Days,” the Canadian troops contributed greatly to the ultimate defeat of Germany. Aug. 8, 1918 Canadians spearhead attack in Amiens, France, pushing Germans back 13 km Oct. 11, 1918 Canadians take Cambrai and advance 37 km into German territory 30 Canadians and NFLDers earned Victoria Cross
23. Germany Surrenders The Canadian’s accomplishments during the Last Hundred Days was impressive: More than 100,000 Canadians soldiers advanced 130km. 32,000 German soldiers were taken prisoner. 3,800 pieces of artillery, machine guns, and mortars were captured. 30 Canadians and Newfoundlanders earned the Victorian Cross. Germany finally surrendered on November 11th, 1918, by signing the armistice agreement It was arranged to be signed at 11:00am, officially ending the fighting. 10:58am: the last Canadian soldier, Private George Price, is killed. The war was formally ended with the signing of the Treaty of Versailles.
24. Germany Surrenders
25. Self-Check 1. Name! 2. Degree to which I understand why the Americans entered the war 3. Degree to which I understand how the Russian revolution affected the war 4. Degree to which I understand why Germany surrendered 1= not at all 2= somewhat 3= I understand 4= excellent