Chapter 24, Section 3: Americans in Battle Main Idea: The United States did not enter the First World War until 1917, but its fresh troops and supplies helped the Allies to victory.

A. Setbacks for the Allies l By the time Americans arrived in France in June 1917, the Allies were desperate for help. Russia Makes a Separate Peace l Revolution in Russia- In November 1917, the Bolsheviks (Communists), led by Vladimir I. Lenin, seized power in Russia, leading Russia to withdraw from the war. –He believed the war was unjust & benefited the rich. l Treaty of Brest-Litovsk- Russia and Germany agree to stop fighting each other, ending Russia’s involvement in the war. –Russia had to give a lot of land to Germany for this. l The other Allied Powers saw this as a betrayal –Russia gave Germany land with valuable resources –Germany is now able to concentrate on the Western Front (fighting against France & Britain) only. The German “Peace Offensive” l Germany now wanted to end the war quickly with an all-out attack on Allied forces on the Western Front. l They attacked along the French border until they were only 50 miles from Paris. Then, the American troops enter the war in large numbers

Treaty of Brest-Litovsk, 1918: Delivering the Goods · Russia signed the Treaty of Brest- Litovsk with Germany and dropped out of the war.Treaty of Brest- Litovsk · Germany then sent their troops on the Eastern Front to the Western Front.

Communism – a theory that supports the elimination of private property and the equal distribution of goods · Created by the German philosopher Karl Marx. Karl Marx · Supports the violent revolution of the working class against the “bourgeois” ruling class. · Led by a single, authoritarian political party.

B. The American Expeditionary Force in France l General John J. “Blackjack” Pershing led the American forces (AEF), which mostly fought independently from the other Allied troops –British & French wanted US troops to reinforce their troops, who had been in the trenches for almost 4 yrs –Pershing kept them separate to improve US’s role in the peace talks after war (US would have more say) Harlem Hell Fighters Harlem Hell Fighters l African American regiment that had to fight with the French because American soldiers wouldn’t fight in the same trenches with them. l They were awarded the Croix de Guerre (France’s version of the Congressional Medal of Honor) for their service & bravery. Marines Hold at Belleau Wood l Battle of Belleau Wood was the 1 st major battle involving US troops. l It lasted 3 weeks & resulted in heavy casualties –Before: “We dig no trenches to fall back on. The marines will hold where they stand.” –After: “Wood now exclusively U.S. Marine Corps.”

“SWOOPING FROM THE WEST” GERMAN EAGLE (to German Dove): "Here, carry on for a bit, will you? I'm feeling rather run down."

"True Sons of Freedom." by, Charles Gustrine (1918)

New York's famous 369th regiment (Harlem Hell Fighters) arrive home from France Honoring New York's famous 369th regiment (Harlem Hell Fighters)

* The Allied defense of Paris was the turning point of the war. Battle of Belleau WoodBattle of Belleau Wood – June, 1918 · This was the first battle involving U.S. troops. · The Germans were defeated after three weeks of battle. "American Marines in Belleau Wood” (1918) Georges Scott ( )

C. Allies Win the War l After the Germans failed to take Paris, the Allies went on the offensive. –US fought in the area stretching from the Meuse River to the Argonne Forest. Battle of the Argonne Forest l Over 1 million Americans participated –Alvin York becomes a hero by wiping out a nest of German machine gunners by himself, which cleared the way for US troops to advance l Lasted 47 days; over 100,000 US casualties l By November, the Germans were in full retreat Armistice Ends the War l Armistice – agreement to stop fighting l Two conditions imposed on Germany –Germany must accept Wilson’s peace plan –German emperor (Kaiser Wilhelm) must step down & give up power

· The battle was fought in an attempt to push Germany further out of France. Battle of the Argonne Forest Battle of the Argonne Forest – Sept.-Oct., 1918

“Oppy Wood” – John Nash, 1917

“Gassed and Wounded” Eric Kennington “Paths of Glory” C.R.W. Nevinson

The Airplane The Zeppelin German U-Boat French Renault Tank New Weapons of WWI

French “Renault”- Light TankBritish “Whippet”- Light Tank British Tank - PrototypeBritish Tank Crosses a Trench

Flame Throwers Grenade Launchers Machine Gun

Poison Gas French Poison Gas Dispenser British Soldier Wearing Gas Mask

Austrian 305mm Howitzer CannonAustralian Anti-Aircraft Gun 25 man American team moving heavy gun French “Dummy” Gun

D. The Costs of the War l WWI officially ends at 11 am on 11/11/18 ( the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month). WWI officially ends l Between 8 & 10 million died in battle –Germany: 1.8 million, A-H: 1.2 million –Russia: 1.7 million, France: 1.4 million, Britain: 900 thousand, US: 100 thousand l Over 20 million wounded (both sides) l It’s estimated that at least as many civilians died during the war as well. l Much of Europe (mostly France) ruined –Many starving & homeless (many orphans) l Flu epidemic in killed tens of millions more (estimated at over 30 m) Flu epidemic –Over 500k die in US from flu –The war played a big role in spreading the disease. When soldiers returned home, many carried the disease with them, causing it to spread farther & more rapidly. 11 a.m., 11/11, 1918 The Armistice is Signed!

· At 11 a.m. on November 11, 1918, Germany agreed to an armistice, ending World War I. Peace at Last

WWI Casualties

Allied

1918 Flu Pandemic: Depletes All Armies 50,000,000 – 100,000,000 died