World War I: to 1917

Agenda 1. Bell Ringer: How will imperialism lead to World War I (5) 2. Notes: World War I Begins, American Involvement (20) 3. Propaganda Analysis (15) 4. Shell Shock Video Clip, Trench Warfare (20 minutes) 5. Wilson Declaration of War Analysis (10) 4. Explanation of Research Papers (5) 5. Lab to work on Research Papers (45)

Causes of Global Warfare Militaristic Ambition Countries were all constructing more advanced weaponry Alliance System Utilized to prevent war, it ended up causing a global struggle Imperial competition Competition for raw materials and resources would lead to war Nationalism Pride for country, and a major reason for Germany to assert their militarism.

A New Kind of War After the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand. Many countries are thrown into war. New tactics are utilized on the battlefield, and trench warfare is arduous. The war quickly goes into a stalemate, with both sides battling for a few miles of territory.

American Involvement? America initially stays neutral in the conflict, but agree to send weaponry to allied powers. Wilson runs in the Election of 1916 as “the man that kept us out of war.” However, by 1917, war seems imminent. The sinking of the Lusitania was the beginning of an era of unrestricted submarine warfare. The Zimmerman telegram, an attempt from Germany to have Mexico invade the United States to prevent our entrance into the war.

The United States Declares War April 2nd, 1917, Wilson asks Congress for a declaration of war. We only have 120,000 soldiers available to fight against Germany’s 5 million. Selective Service Act goes into effect, requiring all men between 21-30 to apply. 3 million would eventually be drafted and sent to France to fight.

How do we get to France? The US had to expand the fleet to get troops across the ocean to fight. Shipyard workers exempt from the draft US Chamber of Commerce emphasized importance of shipyard work, promoting jobs Ships were assembled from standardized parts Launched 95 ships in one day. Government took over passenger ships and utilized them for military use. Time to go to war?