1. WWI: Course and Conduct to Closing
TCI 23, Sections 2-3

2. The Course and Conduct of WWI
Idealist war with the belief that it was the “War to end all Wars”
Recruits sought the adventure as there would never be another chance to “see” war
Over 2 million Americans served in the war eager to promote democracy across the world

3. A War of Firsts
First time large numbers of troops committed to distant war
First Selective Service System
Every male between (18-26 presently)
First draft implemented before entering a war
American Expeditionary Force
First Americans to deploy to France
Majority were infantry - on foot
First African American Officer Training Camp
369th Regiment
Operated under French command
Fierce fighters earning nickname “Hellfighters”

4. New Technologies Change Way War Was Fought
Previous war combat included use of weaponry that required targets clearly seen. The development of new technology for WWI allowed a more impersonal war.
Machine guns
Led to a disadvantage of military strategy using the previous head-on tactic
Well placed gunners could halt advance of larger force
Could unload 600 bullets per minute and less need for reloading
Mounted on aircraft and warships
Germany’s Big Berthas
Largest mobile gun used on battlefield 75 tons
Shoot 2100 lb shell a distance of 9 miles
Used to sweep Belgium at start of war

5. Trench Warfare
Newer technology required greater protection in field battle, leading opposing sides to utilize trench warfare
Closest to enemy lay front line trenches where enemies shot or threw grenades
Supply trenches were second leading to ammo, supplies, & communication equipment
Third line were the reserve trenches where soldiers could rest in between fighting
No man’s land- barbed wire area

6. Living in the Trenches
Dreadful living conditions led to disease and discontent
Muddy trenches full of rotting bodies, sweat, and overflowing latrines led to illness
Fevers and “trench foot”
Developed from consistent standing in mud and cold water
Surrounded by rats, lice, and frogs
Fear of chemical weapons

7. Effects of Mustard Gas Deadliest used in WWI Odorless
Huge, painful blisters
Blindness
Skin exposure can lead to 2nd and 3rd degree burns
Critical lung damage
Cancer and birth defects
Death
Sources include TCI and Fox News

10. The Sky is the New Battlefield
Airplanes used as weapons of war for first time in WWI
Aircraft technology made planes faster, easier to fly, and able to go longer distances
Used to scout enemy territory
Mounting weapons to shoot enemy planes and bomb territory below
Zeppelins allowed for high-flight
Eventually used in bombing raids

11. War at Sea
1906 Britain introduced HMS Dreadnought, bigger in size, arms and armor than any before
Navies in surrounding nations begin developing equally effective battleships
German U-boat
Submarines that could travel undetected below water surface for surprise attack
Allies develop hydrophones and sea mines to hinder U-boat progress

12. An End to War
Germany tries final push to take Western front from Allies before American troops arrive
Meuse-Argonne Offensive leads to armistice
Germans launch final push to within 50 miles of Paris
American forces already arriving in France
Allies launch Meuse-Argonne Offensive
AEF to infiltrate German lines and take Sedan Railroad, which was Germany’s main supply and communication line
Over 1 million American troops participated
After 6 weeks, objective was achieved
November 11, 1918 Germany agrees to an armistice- truce and, by then, other Central Powers surrendered- bringing the Great War to an end

13. Counting the Costs and the Casualties
More than 8 million soldiers died
21 million injured
Millions of civilians throughout Europe died
Starvation, disease, other war related causes
US lost approximately 116,000 soldiers
With twice as many missing or injured
Severe damage to European farms, factories, forests, towns, and homes
Severe damage to European infrastructure and economies
Disillusionment becomes new idealism
Glory of Westernization and nobility of war no longer felt