America’s Role in World War I THE GREAT WAR: America’s Role in World War I

Causes of World War I Imperialism-European powers rushed to claim the remaining uncolonized areas of the world. Militarism-development of armed forces and their use as a tool of diplomacy. U.S. Remains Neutral under President Wilson Nationalism-a devotion to the interests and culture of one’s nation. Various ethnic groups wanted independence Alliances: Triple Entente (Allies)-France, Britain, & Russia. Triple Alliance-Germany, Austria-Hungary & Italy

Europe before WWI

World War I Begins June 28, 1914-Archduke Francis Ferdinand and his wife are assassinated by a Serbian Nationalist, Gavrilo Princip July 28, 1914- Backed by Germany, Austria-Hungry declares war on Serbia Because of the Alliance System within a week all of Europe was plunged into war

U.S. Neutrality President Woodrow Wilson carried on the American tradition of Neutrality towards conflict in Europe. Trade also influenced America’s decision to remain neutral. Public Opinion was strong but divided.

A Bloody Stalemate in Europe Modern Weaponry quickly leads to a bloody stalemate in Europe Trench Warfare Modern Weaponry Machine Guns Hand grenades Poison gas Tanks Barbed wire Americans on the Front Lines 1914-1917 American Red Cross American Ambulance Corps French Foreign Legion Reporters and Photographers

The War Hits Home British Blockade of Germany ports-affects U.S. trade with Germany German U-Boats-declared they would sink ANY boat in British waters The Sinking of the Lusitania-sunk in 18 minutes, 1,200 people die 128 of them Americans Sussex Pledge-German U-Boats would warn ships before attacking-did not last long. The Zimmerman Note-German Provocation The Russian Revolution U.S declares War April 2, 1917

Getting the Troops Ready Mobilization Selective Service Act AEF-American Expeditionary Force under General John “Black Jack” Pershing The Convoy System Increase in Agricultural and Industrial production Rationing and price controls Propaganda Launched to unite public opinion in favor of war Committee on Public Information & the Four-Minute Men Espionage Act of 1917 Sedition Act of 1918 Encouraged widespread rejection of anything German

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African Americans and Women in WWI 400,000 African Americans served in WWI Served in Segregated units excluded from Navy and Marines Most served in Noncombat duties 369th Regiment saw more duty at front than any other American Regiment. 2 Soldiers from this regiment awarded French “cross of war” Army did not allow women to enlist but did allow them into the Army Corps of Nurses. They were denied rank, pay & benefits, though. 13,000 women accepted noncombat positions in Navy & Marines with full rank where they served as nurses, secretaries and telephone operators. Hello Girls

Americans in Europe Troops in Europe Corporal Alvin York “Doughboys” Battle of Chateau-Thierry-Am. Save Paris August 8 1918-Battle of Amiens stopped German advance once and for all. The Eleventh Hour The Armistice came at 11 am on November 11, 1918. 10 Million soldiers had died, 20 Millions wounded, 10 Million civilian deaths, This war was thought to be the “War to End All War”

Johnnie, get your gun, Get your gun, get your gun, Take it on the run, On the run, on the run. Hear them calling, you and me, Every son of liberty. Hurry right away, No delay, go today, Make your daddy glad To have had such a lad. Tell your sweetheart not to pine, To be proud her boy's in line. (chorus sung twice) Johnnie, get your gun, Get your gun, get your gun, Johnnie show the Hun Who's a son of a gun. Hoist the flag and let her fly, Yankee Doodle do or die. Pack your little kit, Show your grit, do your bit. Yankee to the ranks, From the towns and the tanks. Make your mother proud of you, And the old Red, White and Blue. (chorus sung twice) Over There Chorus Over there, over there, Send the word, send the word over there - That the Yanks are coming, The Yanks are coming, The drums rum-tumming Ev'rywhere. So prepare, say a pray'r, Send the word, send the word to beware. We'll be over, we're coming over, And we won't come back till it's over Over there.

OVER HERE War Economy Liberty Bonds New Agencies Enforcing Loyalty War Trade Board War Industries Board National Labor Board Food Administration Enforcing Loyalty Changing Lives Scouting programs for boys & girls Prohibition

The War Encourages Social Change The Great Migration-large scale movement of hundreds of thousands of Southern African Americans to Northern cities. Sought escape of racial discrimination in South Job opportunities Propaganda Race Riots in North Women began taking jobs traditionally held by men. 19th Amendment “the services of women during the (war) have been of the most signal usefulness and distinction” FLU PANDEMIC ¼ of population affected Poss. 30 Million died worldwide

American Stances toward WWI The Preparedness Movement Business Leaders Wanted the country to be ready to aid Allies if necessary Formed National Security League to promote patriotism and readiness The Peace Movement Women, Populists, Midwesterners, & social reformers Founded American Union Against Militarism. Insisted on paying for preparedness with higher taxes

The Eleventh Hour The Eleventh Hour The Armistice came at 11 am on November 11, 1918. 10 Million soldiers had died, 20 Millions wounded, 10 Million civilian deaths, This war was thought to be the “War to End All War”

The Paris Peace Conference and the Treaty of Versialles Jan. to June 1918 President Wilson and the European powers met at the palace of Versialles to decide the peace terms for the treaty with Germany to end WWI. Representatives President Georges Clemenceau- France Prime Minister David Lloyd George-Great Britain President Vittorio Orlando-Italy President Woodrow Wilson-United States

The Fourteen Points