The Great War: The Effects of World War I on America Honors U.S. History

Why did the Great War Start? Nationalism – Pride in your homeland/dislike of others Imperialism – Taking over others (African and Asian nations that aren’t independent) Militarism – Build-up of military supplies in peace time Alliance System – Making partnerships with and against others in preparation for conflict –Russia, France, England – Entente/Allied Powers –Germany, Austria-Hungary, Ottoman Empire – Central Powers Assassination of Arch Duke Franz Ferdinand (1914)

Neutrality America does not want to get involved –Socially: American citizens with national roots on each side –Economically: Trade can take place with both sides –Politically: Keeping alliances and relationships with all sides –Historically: Taking a side can get you involved in the war War are expensive and hazardous

Closer to Involvement US trying to trade military supplies with Germany and England –Problem for Germany: England has them blockaded Solution: Germany sinks RMS Lusitania –Problem: US citizens die on board »Solution: Sussex Pledge (1916) – Germany will not attack American ships with submarines »Problem: US now trades exclusively with England

Closer Closer to Involvement Communist Russia leaves Entente Germany being portrayed as non-Democratic President Woodrow Wilson’s reelection campaign slogan – “He kept us out of war” –He believes participation is necessary for the protection of democracy

It’s On US intercepts Zimmerman Telegram –Germany asks Mexico to invade US to keep them out of Europe Germany eliminates Sussex Pledge; announces unrestricted submarine warfare –The targets: England and their allies US is seen as an English ally April, 1917: US declares war on Germany

It’s Going Selective Service Act (1917) – Draft of American soldiers Committee on Public Information and the Four- Minute Men organize pro- war propaganda African-American soldiers fought under French command, not US African-Americans migrate to North for jobs and avoiding South : Germany surrenders, war is over WWI Trench Warfare WWI - Gas Warfare

Laws and Rights Espionage and Sedition Acts (1917/1918) – Limited anti-war sentiment and prohibited interference with the draft 18 th Amendment (Prohibition) passed 19 th Amendment (Women’s Suffrage) passed Federal authority is growing!

Time to End This War Treaty of Versailles – Officially ends WWI Wilson’s 14 Points – A series of proposal meant to dictate world progress at the war’s conclusion –Point 14: Establishment of a League of Nations US Congress rejects joining the LoN as well as ratification of Treaty of Versailles –Desired to isolate the US –More focus should be placed on domestic affairs

Results of WWI Spanish Influenza: 675,000 Americans dead (six times the casualties of WWI) Red Scare – American fear of Communists, Anarchists, Labor Leaders, and anyone considered “radical” Wave of Strikes (1919) – Government regulations of labor ended to help the war –Inflation rose, prices rose, salaries didn’t