2. More new weapons and tactics Tanks: the British invented these- not used until 1916. By W W II, everyone had tanks and they played a big part in that war Airplanes: small panes were used first to spy on the enemy but later had machine guns mounted and dropped bombs.

3. WW I – the ocean battles Only the Germans had submarines. They were sinking a lot of merchant ships (US and others) carrying supplies to the Allies The US started using CONVOYS. Convoys are groups of destroyers traveling with (guarding) merchant ships. It saved a lot of US ships.

4. Russia drops out of the war Russia had a lot of problems within their country during the war years. In 1917, the Czar abdicated and a new govt. took over. This new govt. was replaced in late 1917 by the Bolsheviks. The Bolsheviks signed a separate treaty with Germany and by March of 1918, they were no longer at war with them. This means that Germany can move all their troops in Russia to France.

5. Americans arrive and start fighting When the US troops first arrived (summer 1917) French and British commanders wanted to use the soldiers in their unit right away. The US commander, Pershing, refused. He wanted his troops to be ready (trained) and also to serve only under US officers. One exception was the 93 rd Infantry division. This was an all African-American group and they fought very bravely with the French.

6. The last 8 months of the war March - Nov. 1918 March – Germans launch a huge attack and push into Allied lines – they get within 40 miles of Paris. May - US troops launch their first attack and win at Catigny May – Sept - Allied victories follow at Belleau Wood, Chateau-Tierry, St Mihiel The last major American offensive was an attack in The Argonne forest. This battle took weeks and cost many lives but was the end for Germany.

7. American War heroes Alvin York – Oct 1918 (Tenn. farmer)– after Germans killed 9 of his men, York charged their machine gun. He killed 9-25 Germans, captured the gun, and took 132 prisoners. He received our Medal or Honor and the French one as well. Eddie Rickenbaker – (Ohio, race car driver) He became a pilot and fought in 136 air battles. He shot down 26 German planes.

8. The End of the War By early Nov. 1918, Germany & AH are losing on both major fronts. Germany’s leader steps down and new govt.takes over and signs a TRUCE with the Allies. The Armistice (agreement to stop fighting) was set for 11AM on the 11 th of November, 1918 (11/11/1918) All that remained now was to figure out a formal peace treaty.