The End of the Great War

Bell Ringer April 8, 2015 Though the Treaty of Versailles did not support many of Wilson’s ideas or 14 points, there was one source of victory for Wilson. What was this?

The League of Nations

Bell Ringer April 8, 2015 What does B.R.A.T stand for? Write responses on your sheets

B.R.A.T. B= Blamed Germany for Causing WWI R= Reparations had to be paid from Germany to Allied powers A= Army of Germany was reduced to 100,000 men T= Territories claimed by Germany in WWI were given back

Bell ringer April 7, 2015 Germany’s attacks on civilian ships were a part of a policy called __________________. In the early years of World War I, the United States was a _____________ country because President Wilson did not want to become involved with WWI

Answers Unrestricted Submarine Warfare Neutral

German Offensive When: March 21, 1918 What: Do or die offensive. How: Used Big Bertha’s which could fire 250-275 pound shells 75 miles. Offensive was stopped before capturing Paris.

“The Turning Point of WWI” 2nd Battle of the Marne “The Turning Point of WWI” Began July 15, 1918 Germans retreat Aug. 3rd 150,000 casualties Allies now on offensive Germany seeks armistice

Allies Counter Counterattack launched Sept. 1918 Allies break through Hindenburg Line Oct. 1918 Allies move north toward Belgium to reclaim lost territory Allies defeat Germans at French -German border.

Problems for Central Powers Germany: Poor economy= no food, no supplies Riots break out! Austria Hungary: Revolution erupts. The will to fight is lost

Peace Nov. 11, 1918- Armistice is signed The Great War is over!!!

A Difficult Peace President Wilson’s Vision of World Peace: The Fourteen Points Included: Reduction of Weapons Right of all people to choose their own gov’t Proposed forming a world organization to prevent aggression (war)

Not all Allies agree France- wanted to punish Germany and make them pay for war Great Britain – wanted to punish Germany but not weaken them. Why? Italy- hoped to gain territory but they were ignored

Treaty of Versailles Much closer to Clemenceau’s vision than Wilson’s 1. Germany forced to pay $ to war victims 2. Germany forced to take full responsibility for war 3. Designed to weaken Germany 4. Limit size of military 5. Germany gives back conquered lands to France and Russia

B.R.A.T. B= Blamed Germany for Causing WWI R= Reparations had to be paid from Germany to Allied powers A= Army of Germany was reduced to 100,000 men T= Territories claimed by Germany in WWI were given back

German Reaction German’s were furious and humiliated Forced to sign the treaty on JUNE 28, 1919 Reparations cripple German economy Bitterness would affect German politics in years to come

League of Nations Organization of world governments proposed by Wilson Established by Treaty of Versailles

Main Goals Encourage cooperation, keep peace between nations Germany excluded U.S. did not ratify treaty, not member, weakened League

Other Treaties Treaties with Austria-Hungary and Ottoman Empire…forced to break up New countries emerge: Austria, Hungary, Yugoslavia, Czechoslovakia, Turkey

Cost of War Human: 9 million in war, 50 million die because of a world wide flu outbreak of 1918 Economic: destroyed European economies, US and Japan flourish Political Changes: Communism in Russia, new states arise due to falling empires Colonies change hands, specifically those owned by Germany

After WWI, the US pursued efforts to maintain peace in the world After WWI, the US pursued efforts to maintain peace in the world. However, as a result of the national debate over the Versailles Treaty ratification and the League of Nations, the United States moved away from the role of peace keeper and limited its involvement in international affairs.