American Power Tips the Scales Unit 5 Section 7 American Power Tips the Scales TYWL: Global interaction may be caused by conflict. / Forces of imperialism, nationalism, militarism and geo-political alliances, taken to the extreme, can lead to international conflicts. / Nationalism and the quest for power are often underlying causes for war. / Conflict occurs when compromise over land, national identity and colonial possessions is no longer an option between those in authority and those they serve. /

America Enters the War Russian Revolution – Russia quits the war Becomes a fight between democracies (Allies) and old-style autocracies (Central Powers) Submarine warfare, Zimmerman Note, British propaganda – key causes of US entry US joins Allies – “A fight to make the world safe for democracy.” America is not prepared to fight – must scramble to get ready

Mobilizing for War Selective Service Act of 1917 – draft registry Over 3 million troops are drafted 400,000 African-Americans 13,000 women enlist in Army Corps of nurses – other non-combat roles Government takes control of industry – shipping workers exempt from draft Convoy system to get troops overseas safely

Government Powers in Wartime During war or other crisis – powers of gov’t historically are increased: War Industries Board – Regulates American industry during war – efficiency/productivity War Economy – industries profits from war – workers discouraged from striking by gov’t Food Administration – rationing, Victory Gardens

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Government Powers in Wartime War Financing – Liberty bonds, increase in taxes Propaganda – “selling the war” to the public. Establish Committee on Public Information – artists create poster campaign; 75K speakers pitch the war to Americans.

Civil Liberties Suffer Anti-immigrant hysteria throughout the country, especially against Germans Espionage and Sedition Acts- Made it illegal to criticize war efforts – targeted socialists and labor leaders who were against the war Schenck v. US – ruled against free speech during wartime – “clear and present danger” to the nation

Fighting “Over There” American Expeditionary Force – leader, General John “Black Jack” Pershing US soldiers called “doughboys” Shock and horror of modern war Terrible conditions in trenches (trench foot) Shell shock Disease Horrible injuries and amputations

American Manpower in Europe Americans arrive in time to stop German Army from taking Paris Turning Point – Second Battle of the Marne, August, 1917. Greatest American hero, Alvin York*, conscientious objector who won the Medal of Honor Germany signs armistice ending war on 11/11/18 The 3rd Infantry earned the nickname “Rock of the Marne” in France in 1917 *click for more on Alvin York

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The Cost of War 22 million dead 20 million injured 10 million refugees

“In Flanders Fields” by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below. We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders fields. Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow 4

War Encourages Social Change African Americans split on war due to racial inequality at home Greatest effect on Black people – Great Migration – movement of hundreds of thousands of Southern African Americans to Northern cities – factory jobs Women also effected: Took over many jobs left behind by soldiers Support of war effort encourages passage of 19th Amendment

Flu Pandemic America (and world) hit by virulent strain of flu in 1918 Large groups of people being exposed ¼ of American get flu – half die 40 million deaths worldwide 5

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