A Bloody Conflict Advanced US History: Rose

Combat in World War I Spring 1917: WWI had claimed millions of lives and devastated Europe. The US believed we could end the war quickly and make a difference. American Involvement: President Wilson and other American political leaders refused to send in American troops to fight under French or British commanders, so no soldiers were sent until the complete army was ready. U.S. forces fought in 2 major battles before Germany surrendered. Impact of U.S. Forces? Trench Warfare:

Americans Dominate Doughboys: Winning the War at Sea: The British approach to German U- boat attacks was unsuccessful-tried to send warships to find them. American admiral William S. Sims proposed the use of convoys, merchant ships and troop transports that were brought together into groups and brought across the Atlantic by warships. Therefore if subs wanted to attack a convoy, they would have to get past the warships first. Very successful in preventing shipping losses and helping American troops to arrive safely.

Russia Pulls Out March 1917: Riots break out in Russia over the government’s handling of the war and scarcity of food and fuel. On March 15 th, Czar Nicholas abdicated the throne. Political leadership was passed to a provisional (temporary) government. This government was unable to deal with the large problems that were afflicting the country. The Bolsheviks: Lenin’s First Decision:

The End is Near……. German Offensive Falters: In March 1918, the Germans launched a massive attack on the Western Front and pushed deeply into Allied lines. Were only 40 miles from Paris. Americans played an important role in stopping the Germans. Americans launched their first major attack capturing the village of Cantigny. Battle of Argonne Forest: Massive attack in the region of the Meuse River and the Argonne Forest. The attack began, led by General Pershing, but by November we had shattered the German defenses. The War Ends:

A Flawed Peace The Big 4 Meet: A peace conference was planned in Paris in The principal figures were the ‘Big Four”- winner nations: Wilson from US, David Lloyd George from GB, Clemenceau from France, Vittorio Orlando from Italy. Germany was not invited. Wilson’s 14 Points: His plan for peace in Europe. Called for free trade and diplomacy in Europe. issued January 8, 1918) – Declaration by President Wilson that outlines the principles he believed should shape the postwar peace settlement; a blueprint for what he called “a world made fit and safe to live in” The points outlined Wilson’s vision of a more enlightened way of conducting international affairs:

The Treaty Treaty of Versailles: (1919) –Weakened and discarded many of Wilson’s proposals –Germany was stripped of its armed forces – –Sum was far beyond German’s means –Germany was forced to acknowledge guilt for the outbreak of WWI and it’s devastation –Dissolution of 4 empires: Russian Empire, Ottoman Empire, German Empire, and Austria-Hungary –Nine new countries were formed: Yugoslavia, Poland, Czechoslovakia, etc –

Aftermath…. Unforeseen consequences of the treaty: Wilson’s Folly: Leaders in U.S. government believed the League of Nations would draw the U.S. into future European conflicts. Key group of senators saw the League of Nations as an “entangling” alliance, something our forefathers had warned us against. They particularly opposed Article X, which required member nations to join together to protect each other from attacks by international aggressors. Wilson traveled the country trying to garner support for the League. The Senate refused to ratify the Treaty of Versailles. Wilson suffered a crippling stroke while waging his campaign. He died a broken man in A Weakened League