Winning the War Chapter 14 Section 3

Total War The war struggled on, requiring the commitment of a whole society. It became a total war, or the channeling of a nation’s entire resources into the war effort. All nations except Britain set up conscription, or the “draft” which required all young men to be ready for military service. Governments: Raised taxed Borrowed large sums of money Rationed food and other products (boots to gasoline) Both sides raged a propaganda war. Propaganda is the spreading of ideas to promote a cause or damage an opposing cause. The Allied press circulated tales of atrocities, or horrible acts against innocent people.

Collapsing Morale Morale was low on both sides. Germany was sending 15 year old recruits, Britain was on the verge of bankruptcy. Soldiers on both sides called for peace. Russian Revolution- 3 years of war hit Russia hard. To make matters worse, in November 1917, a group known as the Bolsheviks seized power from the Provisional Government of Russia. Under the control of Vladimir Lenin, the Russians pulled troops out off the war and brought a communist revolution to Russia. In March 1918, Russia and Germany signed the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk. The treaty ended Russian participation in the war.

The Lusitania Germany warned neutral nations that after Feb. 1 1917, their U-boats would sink any ship nearing Britain. May 1915, German sub torpedoed the British liner the Lusitania. About 1200 passengers killed, including 128 Americans. Germany justified attack by claiming the ship was carrying weapons.

U.S. Declares War! The Zimmerman telegram- U.S. found out that Arthur Zimmerman, Germany’s foreign minister sent a secret note to the German minister in Mexico. The telegram urged Mexico to attack U.S. if they declared war on Germany. Mexico would receive its “lost provinces” in the American Southwest if they helped Germany. News of the telegram fueled anti-German feeling in the U.S. April 1917, Woodrow Wilson asked Congress to declare war on Germany. The arrival of American troops in Europe was a much needed boost of moral for the Allies.

Americans in France The American Expeditionary Force (AEF) was led by commander John J. Pershing Pershing insisted that the Americans fight in separate units from their European allies. Among the first American units to fight along with the French were the 369th United States Infantry. This African American unit became known as the Harlem Hell Fighters. The Hell fighters were in major combat and received the Cross of War for their bravery and courage.

Wilson’s Plan for Peace Wilson visited Paris, London, Milan, and Rome and found cheering crowds. He hope these people supported his goal of “peace without victory.” Most countries wanted to punish Germany for the war. January 1918, Wilson outlined plan for peace known as his Fourteen Points, which were meant to prevent international problems from causing another war. 1st point: end secret agreements (secrecy created alliances) Next points: freedom of seas, free trade, limits on arms. Wilson supported the principle of national self-determination, that is, the right of national groups to their own territory and forms of government. League of Nations- called for a general association of nations.