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WWI- The Great War

WWI- The Great War. The United States, Canada, and Latin America. US Neutrality. Remaining neutral is not very simple – ask Belgium! US more globally intertwined economically European states began to sell off their US holdings. Why Neutrality?.

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WWI- The Great War

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  1. WWI- The Great War The United States, Canada, and Latin America

  2. US Neutrality Remaining neutral is not very simple – ask Belgium! US more globally intertwined economically European states began to sell off their US holdings

  3. Why Neutrality? Woodrow Wilson distinctly anti-militaristic US military a fraction of the size of most of Europe 25%+ of US population were immigrants Choosing sides might tear US apart

  4. Why Neutrality? US could trade with both sides dragging it out of depression Traditionally neutral

  5. The Allied Blockade Neither side respected US neutrality Prejudiced the US in favor of the allies Both sides ignored international law prohibiting blockading of non-war material German submarine warfare more deadly than British blockade's

  6. Sinking of the Lusitania May 7, 1915 Wilson issues warning to Germany to suspend submarine actions in Atlantic Diplomacy reached Germany will give fair warning to passenger craft

  7. Response to Lusitania Pacifism still strong in eastern U.S. Anti-German propaganda continues to pour into U.S. Germany continues to alienate U.S. Oct. 1916- Submarine sinks 9 allied ships off coast of New England

  8. Attempts at Peace Secretary of State urges severing of ties with Germany Death of U.S. citizens on French steamer (1916) Germany justifies actions; Wilson issues ultimatum (1916) Germany agrees to suspend actions Attempted to bring the belligerents in the war to the negotiation table – no luck

  9. The Drift to War Realities of war conspiring against Wilson Planned German submarine attack on Britain would undoubtedly lead to American shipping loss Plan created by Hindenburg and Ludendorff German command reasons it would take a year for American soldiers to reach the Western front

  10. The Drift to War January 31, 1917 – German ambassador in Washington announces starting the next day all ships would become targets for German U-boats Some in US government urged immediate declaration of war. Wilson hesitates Zimmerman telegram – pushes the US to war

  11. The Drift to War April 2, 1917 – Wilson addresses congress outlining his case for war April 6, 1917 – formal declaration of war is signed

  12. U.S. Mobilization for war

  13. Early efforts at preparation

  14. Naval Expansion Act, 1916 Multi year building plan 10 dreadnoughts 16 cruisers 50 destroyers

  15. National Defense Act, 1916 Increased army from 80,000 to 223,000 State militias now under federal control Gave president power to mobilize the National Guard Expanded the National Guard to over 400,000 Established Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps

  16. Merchant Marine Act, 1916 Federal government could own ships Increased federal power to regulate shipping

  17. Advent of war

  18. Principle of Amalgamation Placing U.S. soldiers into French/British units Two infantry brigades immediately sent to France Pros Cons Affront to national pride and officer professionalism Decrease visibility of U.S. contribution Lessens U.S. leadership role during and after war • Expand existing military system, not start from scratch • Saves shipping cost and time

  19. The American Expeditionary Force • Small force developed by Major Pershing in San Antonio • Four infantry regiments and one artillery regiment to go overseas • Chose regiments most ready for combat • Pershing chosen to command the 2nd larger force • Young, loyal, and experienced (forces in Mexico) • Agrees to parade U.S. troops in Paris • “Lafayette, we are here!”

  20. Organizing the AEF • Pershing has full control over American ground contributions • Zone of Operations = greatest concern • Seeks Lorraine region (coal/iron mines & railroads; good place for training) • Recon recommends AEF assumes Allied line from St. Mihiel to Belfort • Avoids congested logistics in the north by using central RRs • Few French troops in Lorraine (less disturbance of Allies)

  21. Organizing the AEF • Needed a tactical organization of AEF • Primarily offensive operations • Attack southern part of German line • General Organization Project • Million man field army • 5 corps of 30 divisions • Formation allows for blows of depth and constant pressure Square Organization: • Corps = 4 divisions • Division = 4 regiments Brigade Column Brigade Column Four regiments Four regiments OR Corps Strength Reserve Division Reserve Division Phalanx Division Phalanx Division

  22. Modern Corps and Armies • Army and several corps (each with HQ to command, control and coordinate) • Field Army HQ = 150 personnel • Corps = 350 personnel • Massive artillery organization (24 regiments) • Each corps has ~19,000 supporting troops (engineers, military police, supply units) • Two division coordinate with replacement system to feed replacement

  23. Selective Service Act, 1917 No time for a volunteer army –draft mandatory The act passed in May – millions were registering soon after First official U.S. draft

  24. Financing the War New taxes would take too long to reach allies and US war preparations Congress authorizes $7 billion loan to get mobilization moving and help France and Britain Taxes ultimately provided for about 30% of the war cost

  25. Financing the War Duties placed on goods and services Liberty bonds Expanded government management of national economies In the US – creation of thousands of government agencies to help with war production

  26. The Food Administration Led by future president Herbert Hoover Managed production and distribution of food through largely voluntary measures Bought crops at a fixed price that proved profitable to farmers Food conservation encouraged Food production increased dramatically

  27. The War Industries Board (WIB) Led by Bernard Baruch Coordinated the production/purchase of war materials All industries involved in war production were subject to its direction Fixed prices and set wages and hours Factories converted to war production

  28. Women and the War Effort WWI - The United States

  29. The Role of Women in WWI Women had always played an important role in industrial production Assumed male-dominated jobs: white collar (clerks), munitions workers Continued in traditional jobs such as nursing

  30. The Role of Women in WWI Independent income led to social freedom After war - the jobs disappeared (economic & social reasons) but social freedoms remained Women's suffrage movement/19th amendment

  31. The Role of Women and African Americans in WWI IB 20th Century Topics

  32. Opportunities for African-Americans in WWI • “Great Migration.” 1916 – 1919  500,000 • War Industries work. • Enlistment in segregated units.

  33. Great Migration of Blacks from South to the Northern US (Race Riots 1917-19) The Great Migration The war opened thousands of industrial jobs to black laborer 500,000 migrated north Increased presence and demands for change  Dozens of blacks were killed during a 1917 riot in East St. Louis, Illinois WW I - The Great Migration

  34. Black leaders saw the war as an opportunity for advancement World War I did not bring significant gains Navy barred blacks, army segregated Riots and lynching increased in the South Violence led to a silent march of protest on NY 5th Ave – “Mr. President, Why Not Make America Safe for Democracy?” African Americans and WWI

  35. Because of industrial jobs available in WWI, the African-American population in Chicago increased from 44,000 to 109,000, for a total of 148 percent during 1916-1919. The postwar period found tensions rising in numerous cities where populations were increasing rapidly The Chicago Race Riot of 1919 was a major racial conflict that began in Chicago, Illinois on July 27, 1919 and ended on August 3. During the riot, dozens died and hundreds were injured. It is considered the worst of the approximately 25 riots during the Red Summer of 1919, so named because of the violence and fatalities across the nation Chicago Race Riot, 1919

  36. “Rescuing a Negro During the Race Riots in Chicago”, 1919

  37. Many were forced to work behind the lines jobs The 369th Harlem Hellfighters fought with the French The 369th Infantry Regiment was known for being the first African American Regiment during WWI During the war the 369th's regimental band (under the direction of James Reese) became famous throughout Europe, being the first to introduce the until-then unknown music called jazz to British, French and other audiences, and starting a worldwide demand for it US Troops were segregated black and white WWI: African Americans

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