The United States Entry into World War I

The United States Entry into World War I

At the start of the war. . . • Woodrow Wilson declared a US policy of absolute neutrality.

Why Neutrality? • 1/3 of the US population were either first or second generation immigrants from England, France, Germany, etc. • American tradition of staying out of foreign wars – “it’s over there…. ”

Presidential Preference/Diplomacy • England France have similar governments to the US, while Germany and AH are ruled by a monarchy

Reasons US Entered WWI

Submarine Warfare • British blockades of Germany strangled the country • Germany resorted to submarines to get around the blockades & to sink ships from any country supplying their enemy

Submarine Warfare • May 7, 1915 – German u-boats sunk a British passenger liner named the Lusitania • It had been loaded with over 4, 000 cases of small arms destined for England • 128 Americans died

Submarine Warfare • March 24, 1916 – German uboats sunk French passenger liner named the Sussex • Many Americans were injured

Submarine Warfare • Germany signed the Sussex Pledge - stating they would announce themselves to ships before firing upon them • Asked US to help end blockade of Germany – we said NO!

Submarine Warfare • Germany had many starving • Feb. 1, 1917 – Germany breaks pledge & declare unrestricted submarine warfare • US breaks off relations with Central Powers

Zimmerman Note

Key Players • Arthur Zimmermann – German Foreign Minister • Von Eckhardt – German Ambassador in Mexico

Zimmermann Note • German Foreign Minister Arthur Zimmerman had proposed an alliance between Germany and Mexico, calling for Mexico to attack the US southern borders in order to re-capture their lost lands.

Zimmermann Note • The plan was to keep the US out of Europe long enough so that Germany could win the war before we arrived on behalf of the Allies. • Wilson released letter to press

Wilson’s War Message • April 2, 1917 – Wilson asked Congress to declare war • Stated “the world must be made safe for democracy. ” • Congress declared war!

American Use of Propaganda • George Creel, former newspaperman, heads up the Committee on Public Information • Appointed by Woodrow Wilson after US entry into war • Used artists, writers, and speakers to “sell” the war to Americans

Propaganda to Engage Citizens • Posters would use images and phrasing that would be familiar to the American public • Posters would also be specific for groups of people when necessary

THE DRAFT & AMERICANS WHO FOUGHT

The Draft • The Selective Service Act of May 1917 was established to draft young men for the military service • Early on men age 21 -31 were drafted – by late 1918 it extended to include men age 18 -45

The Draft • By November 1918 more than 24 million had registered for the draft • From those a lottery selected 3 million to serve in the war

American Expeditionary Force (AEF) • Name of American Troops in the war • Led by General John Pershing

Women in the War • Filled a variety of roles in the war effort including caregivers (nurses) and home defense • A small number worked in the signal corps (communications)

Telephone Operators

Navy Nurses aboard USS George Washington in 1918

African Americans in the War • Many had no choice where to serve – only the Navy and Army accepted recruits • Served as laborers, delivery personnel, messengers, and in the kitchen (within the navy)

African Americans in the War • Several regiments were loaned out to the French and saw combat th • The 369 Regiment or “Harlem Hell Fighters” was cited most for their bravery and as the first to reach the Rhine River in Germany

Sergeant Henry Johnson, 369 th Infantry ("Harlem Hellfighters"), who single-handedly fought off a German raiding party to save his comrade, Private Needham Roberts, 1918.

African Americans Post-War • Frustrated at the freedoms that they experienced, but did not return to in the US • Experience (and freedom) overseas led to the early beginnings of the Civil Rights movement

Situation in Europe • Bolsheviks – Russian Communists over throw the Czar • Vladimir Lenin - leader of the Bolsheviks

Situation in Europe • March 3, 1918 – Russia signs treaty w/ Germany • March – May Germany pushed deep into France • June 3, 1918 – Germany 50 miles from Paris

End of World War I • Bulgaria surrenders on September 29, 1918 • The Ottoman Empire (Turkey) surrenders on October 30, 1918

End of World War I • Austria-Hungary surrenders on November 3, 1918 • 11: 00 AM, November 11, 1918, Germany surrenders

• Nearly 10 Million men died in WWI

• Approx. 21 million men were wounded in WWI

Armistice Terms • Germany left France, Belgium, Luxembourg • Surrender all war materials • Allies occupied German Territories

Wilson’s 14 Points Wilson’s Plan for Peace • End Causes of War – No Secret Treaties – Freedom of the Seas – Reduction of Weapons

Wilson’s 14 Points • Self Determination – power to make decisions about one’s future – Liberate people whose lands were controlled by others

Big 4 Meeting • US – Wilson • GB – David Lloyd George • France – Clemenceau • Italy – Orlando Wilson only one who wanted real peace!

Big 4 Meeting • Other leaders wanted to divide up Central Powers • Wilson compromised & created League of Nations

League of Nations • International peace keeping organization that would protect its members • Would later become the United Nations

Treaty of Versailles 1. German Colonies given to Allies 2. Alsace-Lorraine given to France 3. Border Changes for Italy, Greece, Romania, & Belgium

Treaty of Versailles 4. New Countries Created – Czechoslovakia, Poland, Finland, Estonia, Lativa, Lithuania, & Yugoslavia 5. Germany held responsible 6. League of Nations