Trench Warfare and American Entry

A Multi-Front War

The Western Front: Stalemate The war reached a complete stalemate in –Due to old tactics vs. new tech –Strength of Nationalism Stagnant war of attrition began

The Battle of Verdun Longest battle of the First World War, Feb December. –The French Army lost about 550,000 men at Verdun. It is estimated that the German Army suffered 434,000 casualties. About half of all casualties at Verdun were killed.

Battle of the Somme, July-Nov Diversion for Verdun –7.30 on the morning of the 1st July. The BEF suffered 58,000 casualties (a third of them killed), therefore making it the worse day in the history of the British Army.

Significance of Battles? Represent the truly senseless nature of WWI –Each had a profound affect on the consciousness of their respective people Disillusionment set in –Previous notions of glorification of war and unquestioned nationalism were shattered

“The United States must be neutral in fact, as well as in name, during these days that are to try men’s souls. We must be impartial in thought, as well as action.” - Woodrow Wilson, 1914

Factors Influencing U.S. Entry America Claimed Neutrality –Traditional Cultural Ties with Allies –Threats to National Security –Freedom of the Seas Trade –4-1 Trade imbalance in favor of Allies

Sinking of the Lusitania

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French Wartime Propaganda, 1915

American Wartime Propaganda

The Zimmerman Note Proposed German- Mexico alliance leaked to U.S.

American Reaction

American Entry Turn the tide –Sheer numbers –Added enthusiasm –Materials and supplies to the Allied effort Draft in 1917, 24 million registered, 3 mill. called up

WWI: Suspension of Civil Liberties Espionage Act Made it illegal to hand out any information connected with national defense, urge resistance to any laws of the U.S., refuse to do military duty, send anti-war materials through the mail, or obstruct the draft in any way. Sedition Act Amendment: Made it illegal to use any disloyal, profane, or abusive language against the U.S. gov’t, flag, uniform. Gave the Postmaster General the power to refuse mail delivery to anyone suspected of doing these illegal acts.

Charles Schenck Anti-War Pamphlet

Inflammatory Free Speech Schenck Case: “Clear and Present Danger Test” Brandenburg Case: Modified Schenck case. “Imminent lawless action” Test: –Intent –Immenience –Likelhood