1. What Role Did the United States play in World War I?
United States History & Government
11th Grade Boys/Girls
6 December 2018

2. U.S. Joined the War
A U-Boat Sank British Ship Lusitania killing 128 Americans
Germany’s announcement that it would sink all ships in British Water
British interception of Zimmerman Notes

3. U.S. Preparation for the War
Congress passed the Selective Service Act
Military draft was initiated to recruit 3 million men
African Americans served in separate units
Women were recruited by navy for non-combatant posts
Served as nurses, secretaries, telephone operators
U.S. built ships using prefabrication method

4. How did U.S. Help the Allies
Convoy system to reduce loss of merchant ships
American soldiers provided fresh blood to the allies
American Expeditionary Force (doughboys) was led by General John J. Pershing

5. Weapons of the War Tanks and airplanes
Eddie Rickenbacker – an American ace pilot
Fought 34 air battles and shot down 26 enemy planes.
New weapons and tactics made soldiers life miserable
Filth, trench foot, trench mouth, “shellshock”, vermin, poison gas and disease

6. American Offensive and Armistice
Americans arrived just before German offensive against Paris.
Alvin York, a former conscientious objector, became a hero.
On November 11, 1918 Germany agreed to an armistice.
22 million killed….and an untold amount of sufferings.

7. Homework
Questions 1, 2, & 3 on page 593

8. War’s Impact on American Economy
Government Controlled the Economy
War Industries Board run by Bernard M. Baruch
Railroad Administration Controlled the Railroads
The Fuel Administration watched over the use of coal, gasoline, & heating oil
National War Labor Board worked to settle the dispute between workers and management & helped to improve labor conditions
Food Administration helped produce and conserve food supplies
Encouraged people to grow their own food

9. Government Tactics to sell the war
Several taxes were imposed and bonds were sold
Volunteers sold the bond
Famous people spoke at rallies
Newspapers and billboards carried advertisements for free
The Committee on Public Information was created to do propaganda

10. Controlling Civil Liberties
Anti-immigrant feelings were high
Germans were discriminated
Espionage and Sedition Act was passed
Anti-war people were punished
6000 arrests and 1500 convictions
Socialists and Union Leaders were the main target
Violated the First Amendment Greatly