The United States Joins the War

What Do You Need to Go to War? Soldiers Supplies Weapons & Ammo Training

Selective Service Act Passed on May 18, 1917 All men ages 21-30 required to register for draft Some tried to object based on religion/beliefs Those who objected may be imprisoned, or given opportunities to do other services *Still exists today- Ages 18-25 must register

“We were cursed, beaten, kicked, and compelled to go through exercises to the extent that a few were unconscious for some minutes. They kept it up for the greater part of the afternoon, and then those who could possibly stand on their feet were compelled to take cold shower baths. One of the boys was scrubbed with a scrubbing brush using lye on him. They drew blood in several places. -Mennonite from Camp Lee, Virginia, United States, 16 July 1918”

Discrimination in the Military during WWI Regiments were segregated African Americans were not allowed to train with weapons Latinos were be given the lower tasks

369th Infantry- Harlem Hell Fighters 42,000 African Americans fought in WWI Served 191 days in the trenches Awarded France’s award for bravery

When the United States entered the war in 1917, Germany increased U-boat attacks, hoping to win the war before American troops could make a difference. Convoys of British and American ships, protected by warships, provided better safety at sea. 7

The American Expeditionary Forces (AEF) Led by General John J. Pershing Soldiers from the regular army, National Guard, and a force of volunteers & draftees Fought on the Western Front

American Troops to Europe First troops arrived in June 1917 Spent almost a year training in Europe Key part of saving Paris from Germany Fought from Spring of 1918-November 1918

The arrival of American soldiers gave the Allies a military advantage. General John J. Pershing turned millions of untrained American men into soldiers, then led them in France. The arrival of American soldiers gave the Allies a military advantage. They fought bravely in many battles. By the end of the war, 1.3 million Americans had served at the front. More than 50,000 of them died. 10

The war took a huge toll on those involved. Nearly 5 million Allied soldiers and 8 million Central Powers soldiers were killed in the fighting. In addition, 6.5 million civilians died during the conflict.

The Armistice Is Signed Peace agreement to stop fighting Signed on November 11, 1918 ( 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918) Germany had to surrender all aircrafts, U-boats, heavy artillery. Also had to allow Allied troops into parts of the country