The End of World War I

Review BFAIR to the MAIN SLUTZ because she is A-HOG

U.S. enters World War I Germans sank British cruise ship “Listuania” – 128 Americans on board Germans sink French steam boat “Sussex” – 2 Americans on board. Garmans issue Sussex Pledge Must warn boats before attacking Germans continue using unrestricted submarine warfare, revoke Sussex Pledge U.S. and Great Britain very similar nations, american people feel the need to help the British win the war British intercept “Zimmerman Note,” – Germans wanted Mexico to attack U.S. (U.S. enters war after this)

Propaganda

Total War By 1917, World War I had become known as a “total war”. “Total War” – when countries devoted all their resources to the war effort

Back to the battlefield U.S. entry would surely give the Allies an advantage on western front However, The Eastern Front was desperate for help Russia withdraws from the War, effects of war too hard on the people, plus government instability. Russia signs treaty with Germany March 1918. Germany can send all troops to western front

The End of the War Fresh and Eager Americans helped to push back the German forces in France Shortly after, Centrals Powers started to surrender one by one Ottoman Empire and Bulgaria first, then Austria- Hungary November 11, 1918 – Germany met with Allied commander to sign an armistice World War I over

Allies meet Paris peace conference Allied Powers met outside Paris at Versailles to discuss what should happen to Central Powers as punishment Major Leaders Woodrow Wilson – U.S. Geoges Clemenceau – France David Lloyd George – Great Britain Vittorio Orlando – Italy (Central Powers not invited)

Wilson’s plan for peace Wilsons “fourteen points” – outlined a plan to achieve lasting peace No secret treaties Freedom of the seas Free trade Reduced national army/navy “Self-determination” – colonial countries choose if they want to be ruled by foreign power “General association of Nations“ – later known as League of Nations

The Treaty of Versailles Not many countries agreed with Wilson’s plan for peace (including U.S. citizens) Cared more about national security and punishing Germany Germany forced to accept sole responsibility for the war – “war guilt” clause Germany lost substantial territory Germany had to reduce its military forces Germany had to pay reparations to the Allies Germany excluded from League of Nations

The effects of the War. 8.5 millions soldiers died 21 million wounded Entire generation of Europeans wiped out Devastating economic impact – drained all treasuries of Europe Cost $338 billion Homes and farmland destroyed, civilians starved