The United States Entry into World War I

1. The United States Entry into World War I

2. At the start of the war ... • Woodrow Wilsondeclared a USpolicy of absoluteneutrality.

3. Why Neutrality? 1/3 of the US population were either first or second generation immigrants from England, France, Germany, etc. American tradition of staying out of foreign wars – “it’s over there….”

4. Presidential Preference/Diplomacy England and France have similar governments to the US, while Germany and AH are ruled by a monarchy

5. Reasons US Entered WWI

6. Submarine Warfare British blockades of Germany strangled the country Germany resorted to submarines to get around the blockades & to sink ships from any country supplying their enemy

8. Submarine Warfare May 7, 1915 – German u-boats sunk a British passenger liner named the Lusitania It had been loaded with over 4,000 cases of small arms destined for England 1,198 people drowned 128 Americans

11. Submarine Warfare March 24, 1916 – German u-boats sunk French passenger liner named the Sussex Many Americans were injured

13. Submarine Warfare Germany signed the Sussex Pledge - stating they would announce themselves to ships before firing upon them Asked US to help end blockade of Germany – we said NO!

14. Submarine Warfare Germany had many starving Feb. 1, 1917 – Germany breaks pledge & declare unrestricted submarine warfare US breaks off relations with Central Powers

15. Zimmerman Note

16. Key Players Arthur Zimmermann – German Foreign Minister Von Eckhardt – German Ambassador in Mexico

17. Zimmermann Note German Foreign Minister Arthur Zimmerman had proposed an alliance between Germany and Mexico, calling for Mexico to attack the US southern borders in order to re-capture their lost lands.

19. Zimmermann Note The plan was to keep the US out of Europe long enough so that Germany could win the war before we arrived on behalf of the Allies. Wilson released letter to press

20. Wilson’s War Message April 2, 1917 – Wilson asked Congress to declare war Stated “the world must be made safe for democracy.” Congress declared war!

22. American Use of Propaganda George Creel, former newspaperman, heads up the Committee on Public Information Appointed by Woodrow Wilson after US entry into war Used artists, writers, and speakers to “sell” the war to Americans

23. Propaganda to Engage Citizens Posters would use images and phrasing that would be familiar to the American public Posters would also be specific for groups of people when necessary

24. THE DRAFT&AMERICANS WHO FOUGHT

25. The Draft The Selective Service Act of May 1917 was established to draft young men for the military service Early on men age 21-31 were drafted – by late 1918 it extended to include men age 18-45

26. The Draft By November 1918 more than 24 million had registered for the draft From those a lottery selected 3 million to serve in the war

27. American Expeditionary Force (AEF) Name of American Troops in the war Led by General John Pershing

30. Women in the War Filled a variety of roles in the war effort including caregivers (nurses) and home defense A small number worked in the signal corps (communications)

31. Telephone Operators

32. Navy Nurses aboard USS George Washington in 1918

33. African Americans in the War Many had no choice where to serve – only the Navy and Army accepted recruits Served as laborers, delivery personnel, messengers, and in the kitchen (within the navy)

34. African Americans in the War Several regiments were loaned out to the French and saw combat The 369th Regiment or “Harlem Hell Fighters” was cited most for their bravery and as the first to reach the Rhine River in Germany

37. Sergeant Henry Johnson, 369th Infantry ("Harlem Hellfighters"), who single-handedly fought off a German raiding party to save his comrade, Private Needham Roberts, 1918.

38. African Americans Post-War Frustrated at the freedoms that they experienced, but did not return to in the US Experience (and freedom) overseas led to the early beginnings of the Civil Rights movement

39. Situation in Europe Bolsheviks – Russian Communists over throw the Czar Vladimir Lenin - leader of the Bolsheviks

40. Situation in Europe March 3, 1918 – Russia signs treaty w/ Germany March – May Germany pushed deep into France June 3, 1918 – Germany 50 miles from Paris

41. End of World War I Bulgaria surrenders on September 29, 1918 The Ottoman Empire (Turkey) surrenders on October 30, 1918

42. End of World War I Austria-Hungary surrenders on November 3, 1918 11:00 AM, November 11, 1918, Germany surrenders

43. Around 15 Million people died in WWI 9 million soldiers

44. Approx. 21 million were wounded in WWI

45. Armistice Terms Germany left France, Belgium, Luxembourg Surrender all war materials Allies occupied German Territories

46. Wilson’s 14 Points Wilson’s Plan for Peace • End Causes of War • No Secret Treaties • Freedom of the Seas • Reduction of Weapons

47. Wilson’s 14 Points • Self Determination – power to make decisions about one’s future • Liberate people whose lands were controlled by others

48. Big 4 Meeting • US – Wilson • GB – David Lloyd George • France – Clemenceau • Italy – Orlando Wilson only one who wanted real peace!

49. Big 4 Meeting Other leaders wanted to divide up Central Powers Wilson compromised & created League of Nations

50. League of Nations International peace keeping organization that would protect its members Was unsuccessful because the US never joined Congress prohibited it