1. The U.S. Enters the War
Objective 8.02

2. Objective 8.02
Identify political and military turning points of the war and determine their significance to the outcome of the conflict.

3. America mobilizes for war
The Selective Service Act (passed in May 1917) helped the gov’t meet the need for more fighting power
Required men to register with the gov’t in order to be randomly selected for military service
By 1918, 24 million registered – almost 3 million called up

5. Who served? Many African-Americans served in segregated units
Women given rank in navy and marines but not army

6. Mobilizing for war
US had to find a way to transport men, food, and equipment across the ocean
Many shipyard workers exempt from draft or given “deferred” status

7. America changes the war
Americans convinced Allies to try the convoy system
Heavy guard of destroyers escorted merchant ships across the Atlantic
Shipping losses were cut in half

9. Americans bring enthusiasm and energy to war
War had bogged down
Soldiers became weary of “trench warfare” and fighting across “no man’s land”

10. American Expeditionary Force (AEF)
U.S. forces in Europe in World War I.
Led by John J. Pershing (“Black Jack”)

11. “Doughboys” Nickname given to members of the AEF
(named this because of white belts)
Most were small town boys who had never been far from home

12. New weapons to fight a new kind of war
Machine guns
Airplanes
Zeppelin
Poison Gas
Tanks

19. Mustard Gas Deadly gas used during World War I
Named for its yellowish color and mustard like smell
Causes blistering on exposed skin and respiratory system.
Gas Masks?
Many soldiers exposed to mustard gas never fully recovered
“Psychological warfare.”

24. Armistice November 3, 1918 – Austria-Hungary surrendered to Allies
Same day German soldiers mutinied against gov’t authority
Germany was exhausted and agreed to a cease-fire (truce) – war ended
(11:00) –