Wednesday, 1/7 Take out the packet from yesterday and turn to page 9. Read the information and answer the questions on the back, including: Should we (America) get involved in the war in Europe?
The United States Entry Into World War I
America’s Position in 1914 at the Start of the War Regarding war, we are absolutely, positively, undeniably neutral!
Should We Stay Neutral? Arguments for Neutrality 1/3 of the US population were either 1 st or 2 nd generation immigrants from European countries. American tradition had been to stay out of foreign wars.
War quickly results in Stalemate!
Should We Side With the Allies? England and France have similar governments, language, and shared history with the US
And They Owe Us Big Money! US trade and loan totals: Allied powers = $2.3 billion (plus)US trade and loan totals: Allied powers = $2.3 billion (plus) Central powers = $275 millionCentral powers = $275 million
Blockade Yields Results! 75% of all pre-war trade done with Allied Powers Due to the Allied blockade.
Your Turn! Document Analysis Activity
The United States Entry Into World War I, cont.
German Response (to blockade) Germany resorted to submarines (unterseeboots or u-boats)to get around the blockades and to sink ships from any country supplying their enemy by shooting torpedoes.
Lusitania May 7, 1915 –German u-boats sink a British passenger liner named the Lusitania –loaded with over 4,000 cases of small arms destined for England –Unfortunately, 128 Americans had been on board and went down with the ship
Lusitania
public opinion was that the Germans were murderers and barbarians President Wilson and the American public hadn’t been told that the Lusitania had been used by the British to ship weapons
Sussex Pledge – skip in your notes. We will not be getting into it.
Uh Oh... Something Else! Zimmerman NoteRelease of the Zimmerman Note... Sent to Mexico from Germany
In exchange for invading the United States, Germany promises Mexico help in regaining land: Texas, Arizona and New Mexico!In exchange for invading the United States, Germany promises Mexico help in regaining land: Texas, Arizona and New Mexico!
American Reaction – Outrage! …but German actions cause outrage to Americans! Germany hoped to keep the U.S. out of war…
Unrestricted Submarine Warfare Resumes
Increased Tensions Result! Between March 16 and March 18, three American ships bound for the Allies were sunk by German U-Boats.
In the Meantime... Russian Revolution Occurs Russia had suffered more than 4 million casualties Russian citizens are starving and the government and military are in chaos Czar Nicholas II abdicates in 1917 Now all the allies have similar governments! For Now… Vladimir Lenin leads the Communists!
On April 6, 1917, President Wilson signed a war resolution to join the Allies.
PROPAGANDA Information that is spread for the purpose of promoting some cause
American Use of Propaganda George Creel, former newspaperman, heads up the Committee on Public Information – Told to “Sell the War!” Appointed by Woodrow Wilson after US entry into war Used artists, writers, and speakers to “sell” the war to Americans
Propaganda Used to Engage Citizens Posters would use images and phrasing that would be familiar to the American public Posters would also be specific for groups of people when necessary
And also for Selective Service Administration
THE DRAFT & AMERICANS WHO FOUGHT
The Draft The Selective Service Act of May 1917 was established to draft young men for the military service Early on men age were drafted – by late 1918 it was extended to include men age 18-45
The Draft By November 1918 more than 24 million had registered for the draftBy November 1918 more than 24 million had registered for the draft From those a lottery selected 3 million to serve in the warFrom those a lottery selected 3 million to serve in the war
Louis P. Starkweather was eventually Honorably Discharged from the Army for Medical Reasons.
Courtney Nash Starkweather Company I, 3rd Chemical Battalion, U.S. Army Class of 1920 Columbia University School of Physicians and Surgeons Dies from the effects of gas October 4, 1918
Treatment of Germans in the US Widespread DiscriminationWidespread Discrimination –Fired from jobs –Changed their names Schools stopped teaching German language –Physical and Verbal Attacks
Women in the War Filled a variety of roles in the war effort.
Navy Nurses aboard USS George Washington in 1918
Telephone Operators
Factory Work
Suffrage Wilson calls for Congress to approve the 19 th Amendment!Wilson calls for Congress to approve the 19 th Amendment! We have made partners of the women in this war. Shall we admit them only to a partnership of suffering and sacrifice and toil and not to a partnership of right? September 1918
African Americans in the War Could only serve in the Army or NavyCould only serve in the Army or Navy In the Navy, they could only serve in the kitchenIn the Navy, they could only serve in the kitchen In the Army they were laborers, delivery personnel, and messengersIn the Army they were laborers, delivery personnel, and messengers
African Americans in the War Several regiments were loaned out to the French and saw combat!Several regiments were loaned out to the French and saw combat!
The 369th Regiment or “Harlem Hell Fighters” The 369th Regiment or “Harlem Hell Fighters” Spent 191 days in combat Spent 191 days in combat …more than any other American unit!
Nearly 200 members were awarded medals for bravery…Nearly 200 members were awarded medals for bravery… …but by the French!
African Americans Post-War Enjoyed freedoms in France they could not enjoy in U.S.Enjoyed freedoms in France they could not enjoy in U.S. The efforts of these troops lead to a greater awareness of inequalities in AmericaThe efforts of these troops lead to a greater awareness of inequalities in America Civil Rights movements grow…Civil Rights movements grow…
World War I Monument - DC
THE END IS NEAR...
Ending the War Wilson has an idea called the Fourteen Points Includes creation of a League of Nations (pre-United Nations) Goes to Europe to meet with other Allied leaders.