Lesson 8 WWI 1917 Desperation Anticipation America Enters

Lesson 8 WWI: 1917: Desperation & Anticipation America Enters The War

Lesson Objectives • Understand the role of the US in the war to 1917. • Understand the concept of unrestricted submarine warfare and discuss its impact on the war. • Understand how and why the U. S. entered World War I. • Understand the impact of the war on British and U. S. society. • Be able to describe the efforts made to mobilize the American public in World War I.

Phases of World War I 1914 - Maneuver and Frustration 1915 - Search for New Solutions 1916 - Attrition 1917 - Desperation and Anticipation

Review of the War August 3, 1914 Germany invades Belgium; war begins Sept 5 -10, 1914 “Miracle of the Marne”; German invasion halted October 1914 Race to the Sea ends; Stalemate on Western Front 1915 Feb 1915 -Jan 1916 Sea blockades established around UK and Germany Dardanelles Campaign (Gallipoli) Germans accept futility of breakthrough on Western Front, adopt attrition strategy against French at Verdun 1

Review of the War Feb - Dec 1916 Battle of Verdun (German Offensive) Jul - Nov 1916 Battle of the Somme (Allied Offensive) 1 Feb 1917 Mar 1917 German decision for unrestricted sub warfare Germans withdraw to Hindenburg Line 2

Submarine Warfare Submarines were an unproven weapon • No doctrine for use • Little support from establishment

German U-boats Germany had about 20 operational Unterseeboots at the beginning of the war Small, short ranged, gasoline powered U-9 Displacement: 600 tons (submerged) Range: 3, 300 miles (surface) 6 torpedoes U-boat. net http: //uboat. net/wwi/

German U-boats U-9

German U-boats U-9 (1910) Displacement: 600 tons (submerged) Range: 3, 300 miles (surface) 6 torpedoes Mittel-class (1915) U-boat. net http: //uboat. net/wwi/ Displacement: 950 tons (submerged) Range: 11, 000 miles (surface) 16 torpedoes

German U-boats Ocean Minelaying Submarines Type UE 2 (1916) Displacement: 1, 500 tons (submerged) Range: 13, 900 miles (surface) 14 torpedoes / 42 mines U-boat. net http: //uboat. net/wwi/

Blockade Running Sub Cargo Submarine Deutschland Baltimore, Maryland – July 1916 New London, Connecticut – November 1916 Cargo: Germany-US: dyes, pharmaceuticals, gemstones US-Germany: strategic materials (nickel, tin, rubber) Maryland Historical Society

Blockade Running Sub U-155 (ex-Deutschland) (1916/1917) Displacement: 1, 875 tons (submerged) Range: 25, 000 miles (surface) 18 torpedoes Commissioned in the Imperial Navy February 1917 U-boat. net http: //uboat. net/wwi/

Blockade Running Sub German Commerce Raider U-155 (ex-Deutschland) Stopping merchant ship for inspection U-boat. net http: //uboat. net/wwi/

The Victims

The Victims

The Victims

Timetable to War for US May 7, 1915 Lusitania torpedoed

The Victims RMS Lusitania May 7, 1915 U-20

The Victims RMS Lusitania May 7, 1915 Lusitania sank in 18 minutes

Sinking of the Lusitania May 7, 1915 ( 5: 48 – 8: 43 ) "The Circle of Modern War" and logo © Thomas D. Pilsch 2007 -2013

The Victims RMS Lusitania May 7, 1915 Lost: 1, 198 of 1, 959 souls on board Including 128 Americans, 49 children Compared with daily casualty figures at the Front, the Lusitania fatalities were tiny. But world reaction to what had occurred off the Irish coast Friday 7 May 1915 was enormous. Diane Preston Lusitania: An Epic Tragedy

Timetable to War for US May 7, 1915 Lusitania torpedoed Mar 15, 1916 Army Reorganization Act Dec 1916 Wilson begins peace initiative Jan 22, 1917 Wilson calls for peace without victory

Woodrow T. Wilson 28 th President of the United States Born in Staunton, VA Grew up in Georgia (Augusta) Princeton graduate Academic Career (Ph. D Poli Sci, Johns Hopkins) Governor of New Jersey (1911 -1913) President 1913 -1921 (Democrat) Termed a Progressive, idealist Active presidency 1856 - 1924 Federal Reserve Act Clayton Antitrust Act Federal Trade Commission Act Re-established Progressive Income Tax

Woodrow T. Wilson 28 th President of the United States Wartime President US declared its neutrality in 1914 Protested British & German neutrality violations Re-election slogan in 1916: “He kept us out of war!” Criticized by Republicans for not rearming US 1856 - 1924 Attempted to mediate peace (Dec 1916) Asked both sides to state minimum security goals Central Powers: “No need – we are going to win” Allies: Dismember empires of Central Powers Declaration of unrestricted sub warfare decisive Would not tolerate loss of lives, freedom of seas

Timetable to War for US May 7, 1915 Lusitania torpedoed Mar 15, 1916 Army Reorganization Act Dec 1916 Wilson begins peace initiative Jan 22, 1917 Wilson calls for peace without victory Feb 1, 1917 Germany resumes unrestricted sub warfare Feb 3, 1917 US breaks relations with Germany Feb 24, 1917 Zimmerman Telegram revealed (the “Strategic Distraction” from previous lesson)

Zimmerman Telegram Sent by German Foreign Secretary, Arthur Zimmerman • To Embassy in Washington, January 16, 1917 Ambassador forwarded to Embassy in Mexico British intercepted message, passed to US Publication of message enflamed US!

Zimmerman Telegram Berlin, January 19, 1917 On the first of February we intend to begin submarine warfare unrestricted. In spite of this, it is our intention to endeavor to keep neutral the United States of America. If this attempt is not successful, we propose an alliance on the following basis with Mexico: That we shall make war together and together make peace. We shall give general financial support, and it is understood that Mexico is to reconquer the lost territory in New Mexico, Texas, and Arizona. The details are left to you for settlement. . You are instructed to inform the President of Mexico of the above in the greatest confidence as soon as it is certain that there will be an outbreak of war with the United States and suggest that the President of Mexico, on his own initiative, should communicate with Japan suggesting adherence at once to this plan; at the same time, offer to mediate between Germany and Japan. Please call to the attention of the President of Mexico that the employment of ruthless submarine warfare now promises to compel England to make peace in a few months. Zimmerman (Secretary of State)

Timetable to War May 7, 1915 Lusitania sunk Mar 15, 1916 Army Reorganization Act Dec 1916 Wilson begins peace initiative Jan 22, 1917 Wilson calls for peace without victory Feb 1, 1917 Germany resumes unrestricted sub warfare Feb 3, 1917 US breaks relations with German Feb 24, 1917 Zimmerman Telegram revealed Apr 2, 1917 Wilson asks for war declaration

Declaration of War April 2, 1917 President Wilson asked Congress for declaration of war April 4, 1917 Senate approved 82 – 6 April 6, 1917 House approved 373 - 50

Declaration of War

Why Did The US Enter the War? Unrestricted submarine warfare • US tradition of defending Freedom of the Seas

Why Did The US Enter the War? Unrestricted submarine warfare The Zimmerman Telegram • Posed a direct threat to the U. S. • Challenged Monroe Doctrine • Revelation focused Americans on war issue

Why Did The US Enter the War? Unrestricted submarine warfare The Zimmerman Telegram Make the World Safe for Democracy • Democracy vs. Autocracy

Why Did The US Enter the War? Unrestricted submarine warfare The Zimmerman Telegram Make the World Safe for Democracy American “Non-Neutrality” • Trade with belligerents, mostly Britain

Why Did The US Enter the War? Unrestricted submarine warfare The Zimmerman Telegram Make the World Safe for Democracy American “Non-Neutrality” American Frustration • Lack of response to peace feelers

Why Did The US Enter the War? Another view A. J. P. Taylor (British historian) The First World War: An Illustrated History (1963) German submarines forced the United States into the war. But it would be too simple to say that America fought solely for the freedom of the seas, still less of course for the sake of New submarines Mexico. The United States were committed to the Allied side. German forced thealready United States into the war. But it would be too simple to say that America fought solely for the freedom of the seas, still less of course for the sake of New Mexico. The United States were already committed to the Allied side.

Why Did The US Enter the War? Another view A. J. P. Taylor (British historian) The First World War: An Illustrated History (1963) German submarines forced the United States into the war. But it would be too simple to say that America fought solely for the freedom of the seas, still less of course for the sake of New Mexico. The United States were already committed to the Allied side. At first, the American Government had tried to remain strictly neutral. Banks were instructed to give credit to the. Government belligerents. Soonhad businessmen complained At first, not the American tried to remainthat the chances of good profits were being lost. strictly neutral. Banks were instructed not to give credit to the belligerents. Soon businessmen complained that the chances of good profits were being lost.

Why Did The US Enter the War? Another view A. J. P. Taylor (British historian) The First World War: An Illustrated History (1963) German submarines forced the United States into the war. But it would be too simple to say that America fought solely for the freedom of the seas, still less of course for the sake of New Mexico. The United States were already committed to the Allied side. At first, the American Government had tried to remain strictly neutral. Banks were instructed not to give credit to the belligerents. Soon businessmen complained that the chances of good profits were being lost. Large funds were extended to the Allies. Copper, cotton, wheat poured across the Atlantic. Factories worked overtime on British Large funds extended to the Allies. Copper, cotton, and French orders. were The economy boomed. wheat poured across the Atlantic. Factories worked overtime on British and French orders. The economy boomed.

Why Did The US Enter the War? Another view A. J. P. Taylor (British historian) The First World War: An Illustrated History (1963) German submarines forced the United States into the war. But it would be too simple to say that America fought solely for the freedom of the seas, still less of course for the sake of New Mexico. The United States were already committed to the Allied side. At first, the American Government had tried to remain strictly neutral. Banks were instructed not to give credit to the belligerents. Soon businessmen complained that the chances of good profits were being lost. Large funds were extended to the Allies. Copper, cotton, wheat poured across the Atlantic. Factories worked overtime on British and French orders. The economy boomed. If the German submarines stopped this trade, there would be depression, crisis. If the Allies lost the war, the American loans would be lost also.

Why Did The US Enter the War? Another view A. J. P. Taylor (British historian) The First World War: An Illustrated History (1963) German submarines forced the United States into the war. But it would be too simple to say that America fought solely for the freedom of the seas, still less of course for the sake of New Mexico. The United States were already committed to the Allied side. At first, the American Government had tried to remain strictly neutral. Banks were instructed not to give credit to the belligerents. Soon businessmen complained that the chances of good profits were being lost. Large funds were extended to the Allies. Copper, cotton, wheat poured across the Atlantic. Factories worked overtime on British and French orders. The economy boomed. If the German submarines stopped this trade, there would be depression, crisis. If the Allies lost the war, the American loans would be lost also. In the end, the United States went to war so that America could remain prosperous and rich.

Why Did The US Enter the War? Unrestricted submarine warfare The Zimmerman Telegram Make the World Safe for Democracy American “Non-Neutrality” American Frustration Protect US Economic Interests

Grand Strategy 101 Why did Great Britain go to war in 1914? Maintain European balance of power (Lesson 5) 1917: Britain, France on the ropes Russia in revolution, almost out of the war Germany poised to knock Britain out of the war w/ subs US chose to pursue British objective: maintain balance What should the US do?

Why Did The US Enter the War? Unrestricted Submarine Warfare The Zimmerman Telegram Make the World Safe for Democracy American “Non-Neutrality” American Frustration Protect US Economic Interests Maintain European Balance of Power

Entry of the US into the War Video HIGHLIGHTS: Irish Revolt Mexican Border Incursion Election of 1916 Unrestricted Submarine Warfare

US Enters World War I ( 0: 26 – 8: 04 ) "The Circle of Modern War" and logo © Thomas D. Pilsch 2007 -2013

Mobilization Goal: Mobilize America for Total War • National Unity • Military Manpower • Industry How do you do this?

Mobilization Goal: Mobilize America for Total War • Build Popular Support National Unity • Military Manpower • Industry How do you do that?

Propaganda ! Propaganda is persuading people to make up their while withholding some of the facts from them. minds Sir Harold Evans (1928 - ) British-born journalist and writer

Public Information Building Support Propaganda Committee for Public Information (Creel Commission) Goal: To create "a passionate belief in the justice of America's cause that would weld the American people into one white hot mass instinct with fraternity, devotion, courage and deathless determination. " George Creel, 1920

Building Support Georgetown University Library http: //www. library. georgetown. edu/dept/speccoll/amposter. htm

Building Support Georgetown University Library http: //www. library. georgetown. edu/dept/speccoll/amposter. htm

Building Support Georgetown University Library http: //www. library. georgetown. edu/dept/speccoll/amposter. htm

Building Support Georgetown University Library http: //www. library. georgetown. edu/dept/speccoll/amposter. htm

Building Support

Building Support

Building Support

Building Support Georgetown University Library http: //www. library. georgetown. edu/dept/speccoll/amposter. htm

Building Support Georgetown University Library http: //www. library. georgetown. edu/dept/speccoll/amposter. htm

Building Support Chorus Over there, over there, Send the word, send the word over there That the Yanks are coming, The drums rum-tumming Ev'rywhere. So prepare, say a pray'r, Send the word, send the word to beware. We'll be over, we're coming over, And we won't come back till it's over Over there Billy Murray – audio: (2: 09)

Building Support

Wartime Security Measures Espionage Act - 1917 • Made it a crime to interfere with the operation or success of the armed forces of the United States or to promote the success of its enemies Trading with the Enemy Act - 1917 • Gave President the power to restrict trade between the U. S. and its enemies in times of war. Sedition Act of 1918 • Amended Espionage Act of 1917 • Prohibited Americans from using "disloyal, profane, scurrilous, or abusive language" about the United States government, flag, or armed forces during war.

Wilson’s 14 Points January 8, 1918 I. Open covenants of peace, openly arrived at II. Absolute freedom of navigation upon the seas III. Establishment of an equality of trade conditions IV. National armaments will be reduced V. Impartial adjustment of all colonial claims VI. Evacuation of all Russian territory A statement of U. S. war objective VII. Belgium must be evacuated and restored VIII. … the first by any of the warring powers All French territory should be freed and the invaded portions restored IX. Readjustment of the frontiers of Italy X. Peoples of Austria-Hungary should be accorded opportunity of autonomous development XI. Rumania, Serbia, and Montenegro are restored XII. Turkish portions of Ottoman Empire should be assured sovereignty XIII. An independent Polish state should be erected XIV. A general association of nations must be formed

Mobilization Goal: Mobilize America for Total War • National Unity • Industry

Mobilization The United States went to war on the side of the Allies in April 1917 without stockpiles of equipment or plans for creating them. Worse, the Army had no clear idea of the character and magnitude of its wartime needs and no detailed specifications for production of many kinds of equipment. Had such plans existed they would have been of little use anyway because so little was known about the nation's industrial capacity, including the location and productivity of various industries. What lay ahead was improvisation in the face of unforeseen crises to compensate for inadequate planning and preparation. Mobilization US Army Center for Military History, 1995

Americans In Europe U. S. troops with French-made Renault FT-17 tanks

Americans In Europe U. S. soldier with French-made Chauchat light machine gun

Americans In Europe U. S. soldiers with French-made Hotchkiss machine gun

Americans In Europe U. S. artillerymen with French-made 75 mm gun

Americans In Europe Captain Eddie Capt. Eddie Rickenbacker with French-made SPAD fighter

Americans In Europe Note the pattern: “ … French-made … “ Example: Of 3, 400 field guns used by AEF, only 130 were US-made “A giant armed with a penknife” British historian B. H. Liddel Hart On US preparedness for World War I

America’s Contribution Shipbuilding The U. S. Shipping Board • created in September 1916 to revitalize the U. S. merchant fleet • built over 1, 000 cargo ships • commandeered more than 2 million tons of shipping from private yards and owners • operated German ships seized by the U. S. government when war declared on Germany in 1917

America’s Contribution Shipbuilding Ship construction - Puget Sound Ship launch - Mobile, AL

America’s Contribution Shipbuilding Hog Island Shipyard, Philadelphia, PA Largest shipyard in the world - 50 construction slips

America’s Contribution Shipbuilding 122 built “Hog Islander” (5, 000 tons) None delivered prior to Armistice SS Cassimer

America’s Contribution Shipbuilding The U. S. Shipping Board 1917 -1918 1, 255 merchant ships launched (4, 030, 000 GRT*) * Gross Registered Tons: a measure of cargo ship capacity equivalent to 100 cubic feet (2. 83 cubic meters)

America’s Contribution Convoy System European-bound convoy - 1918 Loss rates dropped from 10% to 2%

America’s Contribution Manpower

Mobilization Goal: Mobilize America for Total War • National Unity • Industry • Manpower

Selective Service Act May 18, 1917 U. S. Army - April 1917 • 5, 791 officers, 121, 797 enlisted • ranked 16 th among the world's armies • just behind Portugal • plus 97, 000 National Guardsmen in state service Needed to build army to 4 million By June 1917, 10 million Americans had registered

Mobilization Rapid expansion of training base Four million men in uniform by armistice

US at War

America Mobilizes "The Circle of Modern War" and logo © Thomas D. Pilsch 2007 -2013

Mobilization December 31, 1917 - 205, 000 US soldiers in France June 1, 1918 - 655, 000 US soldiers in France July 1, 1918 - 935, 000 US soldiers in France September 1, 1918 - 1, 530, 000 US soldiers in France Armistice - 2, 076, 000 US soldiers in France

AEF American Expeditionary Force Divisions 1, 3 -8: Division 2: Regular Army and Volunteers Hybrid of Regular Army and US Marines Commanded by two U. S. Marine Corps Generals Brigadier General Charles A. Doyne Major General John A. Lejeune * * Later 13 th Commandant of the Marine Corps Lejeune

AEF American Expeditionary Force Divisions 1, 3 -8: Division 2: Regular Army and Volunteers Hybrid of Regular Army and US Marines Divisions 26 -42 National Guard Units combined by states or contiguous states. The 42 nd "Rainbow" division was an exception having contingents from twenty-six states and the District of Columbia Divisions 76 -91: Division 92 National Divisions: Regular Army Cadre with draftees African-American regulars and volunteers with mostly white officers Division 93: Never formed as a division. Its four regiments of African-American volunteers plus National Guardsmen and primarily white officers were separately assigned to French divisions and fought with distinction.

AEF American Expeditionary Force US divisions more than twice as large as others US: 25, 000 - 28, 000 men Others: 10, 000 - 12, 000

Americans In Europe World War I Battle Streamer

Americans In Europe Elements of US 1 st Expeditionary Division (later 1 st Division) arrived in France, June 1917

Americans In Europe

Phases of World War I 1914 - Maneuver and Frustration 1915 - Search for New Solutions 1916 - Attrition 1917 - Desperation and Anticipation 1918 - Dénouement

Next: Lesson 10 World War I: End of the War, Seeds of the Next

Lesson Objectives • Understand the situation Germany faced as it entered 1918. • Be able to describe the changes in the war on the Western front in 1918. • Understand the role the US played in the fighting in Europe. • Be able to describe the operations of the US military in Europe in the years immediately following the armistice. • Be able to discuss the major provisions of the Versailles Treaty and how this document sowed the seeds for World War II.

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