Treaty of Brest-Litovsk Major Battles Armistice Costs of the War United States and WW I Treaty of Brest-Litovsk Major Battles Armistice Costs of the War

Russia Leaves the War June 1917- First American Troops reach France Why Russia Leaves the War Group of Bolsheviks wanted to begin Communism (Lenin- against the War) Created a separate peace w/ Germany Russia gave up land and resources * Still wanted out of the War This Peace is called “The Treaty of Brest-Litovsk”

The Treaty of Brest-Litovsk Treaty of Brest-Litovsk– Removed Russia from WW I * Lenin started Communism (1917) * Gave up valuable resources and land How did the Allies feel?? Betrayed!!- key member of their team “quits” U.S. expectations and responsibility increase

What does the Treaty mean for Germany?? 1. Germany can now focus solely on Western Europe (less competition) 2. Gain more territory and resources from Russia 3. Classic example of “Imperialism” *** Germany becomes the United States main enemy during the war

Major Battles involving U.S. 1. Two Major Turning points after U.S. enters war... 1. Battle of Belleau Wood 2. Battle of Argonne Forest *** The entrance of the United States in the War was just what the Allied forces needed ***

Battle of Belleau Wood Battle of Belleau Wood- outside of Paris France in 1918 2. Paris was main goal for Germany to capture Battle raged on for 3 weeks (Trench Warfare) Great casualties for both sides (Allies victory) Allies now take the offensive (MOMENTUM!)

The Battle of the Argonne Forest 1. September 26th 1918- 1 million American Troops pushed into the Argonne Forest * One final push for Allies * Battle lasts 47 days * High casualties for both sides 2. German forces began falling back (losing ground) 3. War was nearing the end…

Armistice Ends the War 1. October 4th 1918- Germany contacts President Wilson… “To avoid further bloodshed, the German government requests the President to arrange the immediate conclusion of an armistice on land, by sea and in the air.” 2. Armistice- agreement to stop fighting 3. ALLIES WIN!!- not without high costs…

High Costs of the War *** Between 8 and 9 million people died 1. Russia, French, Britain- 4 million 2. Germany- 2 million 3. U.S.- 100,000 (only a year of fighting) * 20 million men wounded * Destruction of European cities and towns * Disease and starvation (Flu Epidemic) 1. Kills more than 30 million people

Pros and Cons of Versailles The Failed Peace Wilson’s 14 Point Plan Reparations Treaty of Versailles Pros and Cons of Versailles

Wilson’s 14 Points 1. Allied forces were determined to “punish” Germany for the war * Blame everything on Germany Wilson’s 14 Points- Plan for peace and main Goal was to prevent another world war ** Some Key Points 1. End for Secret Agreements 2. Freedom of seas, free trade and limit to “arms” 14. League of Nations- protect rights of all countries and fought for their independence

Reaction to the 14 Points Reaction Some goals were too “vague” Other goals were not possible Allied forces were focused about their own problems (selfish) *** not concerned with the rest of the World Wilson- traveled to Paris Peace Conference to Discuss peace w/ other Allied Forces

Paris Peace Conference The Big Four- met to discuss how to handle Germany 1. Woodrow Wilson (US) 2. David Lloyd George (Britain) 3. Georges Clemenceau (France) 4. Vittorio Orlando (Italy) *** Everyone except Woodrow Wilson wanted to blame Germany for the war ***

Demands of the Allies 1. Reparations- making Germany pay cash Payments for war damages 2. War Guilt Clause- making Germany feel totally responsible for the War 3. Preventing Germany from rebuilding their military *** June 1919 the Treaty of Versailles was signed ***

Germany and Versailles Because of the Treaty of Versailles, Germany had to: 1. Take full blame for the War 2. Pay 300 billion dollars in “Reparations” 3. Weaken their military 4. Return Alsace Lorraine to France 5. Give other German colonies to Allies

Pros and Cons of Versailles Pros of Treaty of Versailles Independence for some European Countries WW I was “over” Cons of the Treaty of Versailles Blamed Germany for everything Left Europe unsettled League of Nations- never materialized *** Left Germany upset for many years *** *** Planted the Seeds for World War II ***