Causes of The Great War Nationalism intense pride

Causes of “The Great War”

Nationalism = intense pride in one’s own country or nationality l European states became more concerned with their own interests than with maintaining the peace that had held for close to 100 years l

Militarism: the process of building up military strength for the purpose of intimidating other countries l If one nation builds up its military, then all others must do so as well l

Confusing (& secret) alliances l l l 1882: Germany allied with Austria & Italy 1894: France allied with Russia 1904: Britain allied with France Germany secretly allied with Ottomans Britain secretly allied with Japan

Archduke Franz Ferdinand 1863 – 1914 Nephew of Austrian Emperor Franz Joseph & heir to the throne of Austria l Married Countess Sophie who was beneath him in station, essentially giving up his rights to the throne l Sent on an official state visit to Sarajevo in the Austrian-held province of Bosnia l l

Assassination l l l June 28, 1914 Franz Ferdinand his wife were assassinated by a Bosnian nationalist Austria demanded that Serbia, who had supposedly supported the assassins, turn over anyone who was involved in the plot

When Serbia refused, Austria declared war

Russia enters the war l Russia, which supported a policy of Pan-Slavism (unity of all Slavic peoples), demonstrated its support for Serbia by declaring war on Austria

Germany, under their monarch Kaiser Wilhelm II, sided with Austria

France sided with Russia

Germany invaded neutral Belgium to position themselves to attack France

Britain, an ally of Belgium, declared war on Germany

The Two Sides of WWI l “The Central Powers” : Germany, Austria, & the Ottomans l “The Triple Entente”: Great Britain, France, & Russia

SUBMARINES

Why would the British think the Uboat was breaking the rules of War ?

SUBMARINES • Description: At outset Germans had two sub types: coastal sub: (7 kts, 2 torpedoes and a crew of 14 patrol (overseas): 14 kts, 4 torpedoes, crew – 28 • Use: attack allied shipping, primarily through use of deck guns NOT torpedoes • Impact: Very effective against shipping, but sinking of ocean liners was negative public opinion Use of convoy system, depth charges and hydrophones were a response • Evolution: Submarines would get larger and faster with expanded undersea capability • Improved torpedoes

CONVOY SYSTEM • Description/Use: – Using armed ships such as destroyers and armed merchant vessels to protect unarmed transport ships from submarines – A tactic not a technology • Impact: – Fairly effective once employed (late 1917). – Declined from 242/mo to 147/mo; 1918 – 103/mo • Evolution: – Q-ships – Germany forced to use surface ships

TANKS & ARMOR

TANKS & ARMOR • Description/Use: tracked, armored vehicle armed with machine guns and/or cannons. – Used to assault trenches, destroy barbed wire obstacles, machine gun nests – 2 (6. 5 t) crew to 16 (32 t) crews; 3 -8 mph • Impact: somewhat effective depending on use; infantry support, combined arms – Debate about use breakthrough vs. support – Mechanical breakdowns, lack of speed • Evolution: the modern tank with turrets mobility was also emphasized – become important weapon in WW 2

German Tank

Armored Car

Technology: Tanks

Technology: Flame Throwers

BARBED WIRE

Barbed Wire • Description/Use: sharp twisted strands of wire – not designed to kill – Often used in conjunction with machine guns and trenches – Create barriers while preserving field of fire – Control avenues of approach • Impact: critical to trench defense • Evolution: improved methods of emplacement – Entanglements instead of just fences – Coiled barb wire used late 20 th century

COMMUNICATIONS

US Involvement in WWI

Why did it take so long for America to get involved in the war? • America was isolationist. – • “Why should I get involved in someone else’s problems? ” The Monroe Doctrine (1823) sought to isolate “the American continents” from European influences and problems. In this cartoon, “The Great Wall” (1914), the Monroe Doctrine is shown as a protective shield for the United States.

Thinking Slide: • Is isolationism really an option for a country as powerful as the United States? • What are the disadvantages of isolationism? • What are the advantages?

The American Response to WWI • Neutrality! • Economic, cultural and linguistic ties with Britain • Most Americans were anti. German, especially after they discover plans for industrial sabotage.

WWI: A Boom to the US Economy • Britain and France bought products in great amounts. • American bankers gave private loans to Allies.

German Threats Escalate • Germans kept out of American trade by the British blockade. • Began submarine warfare around British isles to break through blockade. • Germans warned US might sink merchant ships.

The U. S. & The War

Woodrow Wilson 1856 – 1924 l 28 th President (1913 – 21) l A pacifist, he supported US neutrality (taking no sides) and isolationism (avoiding foreign conflicts) l His Secretary of State, William Jennings Bryan, was also dedicated to neutrality l

Americans Take Sides Some were pro-Germany: German immigrants, Irish immigrants (who were more anti-British) l Most were pro-British: most Americans identified with Britain (same language & culture), US businesses traded heavily with Britain, US banks had loaned Britain over $2 billion (had only loaned $27 million to Germany) l

German U-boats Germany attempted to prevent Britain & France from obtaining supplies from overseas by using submarines to attack shipping l Feb. 1915: Germany announced unrestricted submarine warfare in the waters around Britain – any ships could be attacked without warning l

The Lusitania May 7, 1916: German Uboat attacked and sank the British passenger liner Lusitania, killing nearly 1200 civilians, including 128 Americans l Wilson responded by warning Germany that it had a responsibility to protect non-combatants or risk war with the US l

The Sussex Pledge After a 2 nd attack in March 1916 that injured Americans aboard the French ship Sussex, Wilson issued a sterner warning to Germany l Germany did not want the US to enter the war, so they promised to stop attacking merchant ships without warning l Wilson, who did not really want to enter the war, used the socalled Sussex Pledge as a political tool for getting reelected l

Election of 1916 Wilson won reelection on the slogan “He kept us out of war!” l Isolationists’ numbers were dwindling though as the war in Europe grew more intense and US interests were threatened l

Jeanette Rankin 1880 – 1973 l Became the first woman to ever serve in Congress when she was elected by Montana to serve in the House of Representatives l Dedicated pacifist, she was the only member of Congress to vote against the US entering both WWI & WWII, also opposed the Korean & Vietnam Wars l

The Zimmermann Telegram January 1917: German Foreign Minister Arthur Zimmermann sent orders to the German ambassador in Mexico to offer Mexico an alliance with Germany l Germany would help Mexico reclaim Texas, California, and the Southwest if Mexico could keep the US occupied and out of the war in Europe l

Zimmermann Telegram Backfires Zimmermann’s note was intercepted by the British and published in US newspapers l Most Americans were enraged and began to demand war l

The Zimmerman Note (1917) • Sent by German foreign secretary Arthur Zimmerman to Mexico • Was intercepted and decoded by British • Telegram stated Germany would again begin unrestricted submarine warfare • Even worse, telegram proposes alliance between Germany and Mexico – Germany promises will help Mexico get land back

Zimmerman Note

Germany’s New Plan Germany decided they needed to end the war before the US could mobilize l Feb. 1, 1917: resumed unrestricted submarine warfare in the hopes they could force a quick British surrender l Began to attack US merchant ships without warning, prompting Wilson to take action l

US Declares War April 2, 1917: Wilson appeared before Congress and asked for a declaration of war against Germany l The Senate approved war by a vote of 82 to 6, the House by a vote of 373 to 50 l

The US Enters The Great War

Selective Service Act of 1917 Required all men between 21 and 30 to register for the draft l Candidates were drafted through a lottery system and then either accepted or rejected for service by a local draft board l About 2. 8 million Americans were drafted while another 2 million volunteered l

African-American Troops Nearly 400, 000 blacks were drafted to serve overseas l Had to serve in segregated units under white officers, faced racial discrimination l Still, many, such as the “Harlem Hell Fighters, ” served with distinction, winning medals l

Council of National Defense e War Industries Board – Bernard Baruch e Food Administration – Herbert Hoover e Railroad Administration – William Mc. Adoo e National War Labor Board – W. H. Taft & Frank P. Walsh

The War Industries Board Created in July 1917 l Run by former stockbroker Bernard Baruch l Tasked with efficiently managing US industry in the manufacture of war materials l Controlled what products were made in US factories l

Food Administration Run by Herbert Hoover l Responsible for increasing food production and reducing food consumption l Encouraged families to grow their own food in “victory gardens” and to observe “Wheatless Mondays” & “Meatless Tuesdays” l

Fuel Administration Run by Harry Garfield l To conserve fuel, Daylight Savings Time was created and Americans were asked to observe Heatless Mondays l Factories not making war materials had their workweeks shortened l

Paying for the War US spent $32 billion on the war l Congress raised income taxes and created new taxes on corporations l US also borrowed $20 billion from American citizens through the sale of Liberty Bonds or Victory Bonds l

Results of This New Organization of the Economy? 1. 2. 3. Unemployment virtually disappeared. Expansion of “big government. ” Excessive govt. regulations in economy. 4. Unprecedented opportunities for disadvantaged groups. (Women and Minorities– we will discuss next week)

I. Causes and Early Action Along with widespread propaganda, these events led to a strong anti-German feeling. Propaganda: Advertising, music, posters, commercials, film, etc. that try to convince you of something specific. Both sides used these tools to show their citizens that they should support the War effort.

Propaganda in the War • Government created Committee on Public Information —headed by George Creel. • Goal—to sell the war to America and convince the world of the righteousness of Wilson’s war aims. • posters, movies, songs • Anti-Germanism on the rise

Propaganda

Propaganda

Propaganda

Propaganda

Propaganda

Propaganda

Propaganda

Propaganda

Propaganda

US Troops Arrive in Europe The “doughboys” (nickname of unknown origin for US soldiers) of the American Expeditionary Force (AEF) arrived in France in July 1917 l Commanded by General John J. “Black Jack” Pershing l

Russia Pulls Out of the War Two revolutions in Russia in 1917 (the first one democratic, the second one communist) ousted Czar Nicholas II l The new Russian government negotiated a separate peace with Germany and withdrew Russia from the conflict, closing the Eastern Front l

American Victories Summer 1918: US forces successfully defended Paris from a German attack l Fall 1918: US forces began the Battle of Argonne Forest, which would eventually shatter Germany’s fighting abilities l

The War Ends Revolt broke out in Austria and the Ottomans surrendered to the Triple Entente, leaving Germany alone to fight l After a mutiny broke out in the German navy and the people of Berlin erupted in riots over food shortages in Nov. 1918, Kaiser Wilhelm II stepped down as Germany’s leader, clearing the way for an armistice l

WWI ended at 11 AM, Nov. 11, 1918

Wilson’s Fourteen Points Pres. Wilson presented his plan for resolving the war; his plan sought to restabilize Europe and resolve the root problems that had started WWI to begin with l Britain and France rejected Wilson’s plan in favor of punishing Germany with harsh reparations (fines) l

Points 1 - 5 l l l Ban secret alliances Respect freedom of the seas Remove all barriers to trade (tariffs) Everyone reduce the size of their military Stop colonization, respect the rights of native peoples

Points 6 - 13 Specified the creation of new states in Europe (such as Poland) and redrew the boundaries of Europe l Also promoted selfdetermination for various European ethnic states l

Point 14: The League of Nations Create a “League of Nations” to help preserve peace and prevent future wars by offering a forum for resolving international disputes l The only one of Wilson’s 14 Points to be accepted by Europe l

The Treaty of Versailles l. Signed in June 1919 l. Officially ended WWI

1. Germany was forced to accept all blame for WWI

2. Germany had to pay reparations of $33 billion ($350 billion in today’s money)

3. Germany could only have a limited military

4. Germany had to give up territory to France & Poland

5. Germany had to give up its overseas colonies

Germans signed – but were furious over the terms

Congress Rejects the Treaty US Senate refused to ratify the Treaty of Versailles because of strong opposition to joining the League of Nations – many feared that joining the League would mean giving up our right to decide our own foreign policies, while others saw the League as the type of “foreign entanglement” that Washington had warned the US to stay out of l US never signed the Treaty or joined the League, returned to a policy of isolationism l

Casualties of war 1 in every 4 soldiers involved died in the war l Even more were maimed: lost limbs, lost vision, burned, etc. l Many suffered from mental problems after the war: “shell shock” or PTSD l Europe lie in ruins l

Austrian Corporal Adolf Hitler

Consequences of War

Committee on Public Information Government agency responsible for coordinating pro-war propaganda l Distributed pamphlets, arranged public speakers, recorded songs, and made short patriotic films l Government assumed new role of manipulating public opinion, controlling what information about the war the public had access to l

Government Excess & Threats to the Civil Liberties of Americans 1. Espionage Act – 1917 - forbade actions that obstructed recruitment or efforts to promote insubordination in the military. - ordered the Postmaster General to remove Leftist materials from the mail. - fines of up to $10, 000 and/or up to 20 years in prison.

Espionage Act of 1917 l Prohibited any attempt to interfere with military operations, support America's enemies during wartime, to promote insubordination in the military, or interfere with military recruitment

Government Excess & Threats to the Civil Liberties of Americans 2. Sedition Act – 1918 - it was a crime to speak against the purchase of war bonds or willfully utter, print, write or publish any disloyal, profane, scurrilous, or abusive language about this form of US Govt. , the US Constitution, or the US armed forces or to willfully urge, incite, or advocate any curtailment of production of things necessary or essential to the prosecution of the war…with intent of such curtailment to cripple or hinder, the US in the prosecution of the war.

Sedition Act of 1918 Limited freedom of speech by making it illegal to publicly express any opposition to the war l Government could (and did) prosecute anyone who criticized the government l

3. Government Excess & Threats to the Civil Liberties of Americans Schenck v. US – 1919 - in ordinary times the mailing of the leaflets would have been protected by the 1 st Amendment. - BUT, every act of speech must be judged according to the circumstances in which it was spoken. - If an act of speech posed a clear and present danger, then Congress had the power to restrain such speech.

Schenck v. US (1919) Charles Schenck, a socialist, had been sending pamphlets to men urging them not to report if drafted l Schenck was convicted of violating the Espionage Act l Supreme Court upheld Schenck’s conviction and ruled that an individual’s freedom of speech can be limited by the government when it presents a “clear and present danger, ” such as during times of war l

Eugene V. Debs 1855 – 1926 5 -time Socialist candidate for US President l Gave an anti-war speech in 1918 and was sentenced to 10 years in prison for violating the Sedition Act (only served 3 years) l Appealed to the Supreme Court; the result of Debs v. US was the same as l l Schenck v. US

National War Labor Board Federal agency which acted to mediate and quickly settle labor disputes to avoid disrupting the war effort l Pressured industry to keep workers happy with increased wages, shorter workdays, and respect for unions l

Population Shifts l l European immigration halted during the war This created employment opportunities for minorities Many blacks left the South for factory jobs in the North (The Great Migration) Many Mexicans entered the US to fill the labor shortage on farms in the Southwest and in factories in the North

Post-war Inflation As regular factory production resumed, demand for consumer goods skyrocketed, driving up prices l Inflation in 1919 alone was over 15% l Rising cost-of-living led to increased wage demands by labor l

Seattle General Strike Shipbuilders in Seattle went on strike for better wages, inspiring other workers in Seattle to follow suit l 60, 000 workers went on strike, but gained little before returning to work l Still, the size of the strike and its effect on the city were alarming l

Boston Police Strike 1919: 75% of police went on strike for higher pay, leading to rioting and looting due to lawlessness l Gov. Calvin Coolidge sent in the National Guard to restore order l When policemen tried to return to work, they were fired and replaced with new hires, with Coolidge’s approval l

The Steel Strike l l 350, 000 steel workers went on strike US Steel blamed the strike on foreign immigrants, painted the strikers as un-American Hired African-Americans and Mexican immigrants to replace the workers and keep the steel mills running Despite several violent clashes, the striking workers gained nothing

The Red Scare of 1919 -20 Labor unrest led to fears that Communists were trying to create a revolt in the US similar to the one in Russia l April 1919: dozens of bombs were sent through the US Mail to important government officials and business leaders, further encouraging the belief that communists were plotting against the US l

The Palmer Raids Federal agents raided the headquarters of various radical organizations, trying to identify the terror bombers l No evidence was ever found, but hundreds of immigrants were deported due to suspicion l Agents entered homes without search warrants, jailed individuals without charges, and refused lawyers – all violations of basic civil rights l

A. Mitchell Palmer l l 1872 – 1936 US Attorney General Became an assassination target of anarchists, survived two bomb attacks Organized a new branch of the Justice Department – the General Intelligence Unit (GIU) – to investigate “radical” organizations

J. Edgar Hoover 1895 – 1972 l Hand picked by Palmer to head the GIU, remained in charge until his death in 1972 (the GIU became the FBI in 1935) l Well known for using extralegal methods l

Sacco & Vanzetti l l Ferdinando Nicola Sacco (1891– 1927) and Bartolomeo Vanzetti (1888– 1927) Italian immigrants 1920: Convicted of armed robbery and murder in a highly controversial trial, many believed they were blamed simply due to the fact that they were immigrants and associated with anarchists Executed in 1927, despite a confession to the crime by another individual

Urban Race Riots Violent racism erupted in Northern cities as WWI veterans returned to work only to find themselves competing with blacks and Mexican immigrants for jobs l Worst was in Chicago where a two-week long riot killed 38 and injured hundreds l

The Ku Klux Klan l l The KKK was reborn in 1915 as a much more formally structured organization Preached on the purification of America, practiced racism, anti-Catholicism, anti-Communism, nativism, and antisemitism Strongest in Midwestern cities like Detroit & Chicago May have reached membership of 15 million

Anti-German Sentiments Sauerkraut became “liberty cabbage, ” hamburger became “Salisbury steak” l Schools stopped teaching German l Orchestras refused to play works by German -born conductors like Beethoven l

American Protective League Private citizens’ group founded in 1917 (with the approval of the DOJ) to monitor German. Americans for signs of anti-war sentiments and to report draft dodgers l Officially disbanded in 1919, but local branches continued to operate in conjunction with other racist groups such as the KKK l

th 18 Amendment The push to ban alcohol in the US was also motivated by discrimination l Vodka was a Russian drink, while beer was a German drink – both groups who were out of favor in the United States l

A “Return to Normalcy” Election of 1920 was won by Republican Warren G. Harding l Harding campaigned on a return to simpler times l Americans had tired of the reforms of Progressivism, the unrest of war and labor disputes l

Washington Naval Conference l l 1922: Meeting in Washington DC between the US, Great Britain, Japan, and other nations with interests in the Pacific Purpose of the conference was to defuse potential future conflicts in the Pacific All parties agreed to limit the sizes of their navies, restrict certain types of armaments, and to not fortify islands in the Pacific This agreement made it easier for Japan to expand its empire

Dawes Plan 1924: When Germany could not meet its reparation debts from the Treaty of Versailles, the US loaned Germany the money to refinance its debt l US wanted to avoid the possibility of a new conflict in Europe l