the great war russia, the revolution, and the united states world war i 1914-1918

The Great WarThe Great WarRussia, the Revolution, and Russia, the Revolution, and

the United Statesthe United States

World War I World War I

1914-19181914-1918

Russia and the Eastern FrontRussia and the Eastern Front The The Eastern FrontEastern Front, where , where

the Russians faced the the Russians faced the Germans and Austrians, Germans and Austrians, was crucial to Allied was crucial to Allied tenacity in the West. tenacity in the West.

Millions of men lined up Millions of men lined up on both sides, and if the on both sides, and if the Russians had not been Russians had not been able to last until 1917, able to last until 1917, France, Italy, and Britain France, Italy, and Britain would have collapsed would have collapsed before Germany.before Germany.

Yellow=Germany; Blue= AH; Yellow=Germany; Blue= AH; Red=RussiaRed=Russia

Russia and the Eastern FrontRussia and the Eastern Front

Russian soldiers entered the war with Russian soldiers entered the war with the same enthusiasm as their the same enthusiasm as their counterparts in France, Britain, and counterparts in France, Britain, and Germany and they had the same Germany and they had the same misguided expectations.misguided expectations.

Known as the “Known as the “Russian steam-rollerRussian steam-roller” ” because of the number of men because of the number of men mobilized (over 12,000,000), Russia mobilized (over 12,000,000), Russia didn’t think any army could stand up didn’t think any army could stand up to its massive numbers. to its massive numbers.


Russian officers, Russian officers, leaving for battle leaving for battle in 1914, were told in 1914, were told to pack their dress to pack their dress white uniforms white uniforms because they because they thought a victory thought a victory parade through parade through Berlin was only a Berlin was only a few weeks away.few weeks away.


Russia was led by Russia was led by an aged war an aged war minister (the Czar’s minister (the Czar’s cousin) who thought cousin) who thought the machine gun the machine gun and other modern and other modern weapons were signs weapons were signs of cowardice (he of cowardice (he liked cavalry).liked cavalry).


Russia entered the war ill equipped and Russia entered the war ill equipped and ineptly managed.ineptly managed.

In some battalions, up to one quarter of In some battalions, up to one quarter of the soldiers entered battle without a the soldiers entered battle without a weapon.weapon.

Often these soldiers were just given Often these soldiers were just given broomsticks! (Russian commanders broomsticks! (Russian commanders thought they could scare the enemy if it thought they could scare the enemy if it lookedlooked like Russian soldiers were like Russian soldiers were armed).armed).

Russia and the Eastern FrontRussia and the Eastern Front Imagine going into battle with a Imagine going into battle with a

broomstick and being told that if broomstick and being told that if you want a rifle, get it from a fallen you want a rifle, get it from a fallen comrade or the enemy…comrade or the enemy…

Russia during the WarRussia during the War

Russia’s military leadership Russia’s military leadership was so incompetent, to was so incompetent, to many it was no surprise many it was no surprise that she suffered an that she suffered an astounding astounding 2 million 2 million dead/wounded in the first dead/wounded in the first year of fightingyear of fighting alone. alone.

As a result, Czar Nicholas II As a result, Czar Nicholas II went to the front and went to the front and assumed personal assumed personal command of the army.command of the army.


Even though he had no military Even though he had no military experience or training and was experience or training and was generally considered a weak man, generally considered a weak man, Nicholas wanted to emulate the Nicholas wanted to emulate the warrior czars of the past (Ivan III, warrior czars of the past (Ivan III, Peter the Great, Alexander I). Peter the Great, Alexander I).

His total incompetence only made a His total incompetence only made a bad situation worse for Russian bad situation worse for Russian troops and the Russian people.troops and the Russian people.


Czar Nicholas talking to his officers at the Czar Nicholas talking to his officers at the front.front.


While Nicky was at the While Nicky was at the front, his wife, the front, his wife, the German-German-born Empress Alexandraborn Empress Alexandra, , was left in charge of the was left in charge of the government. government.

She was completely She was completely ignorant of how to run the ignorant of how to run the state (especially one at state (especially one at war).war).


Alexandra was one of Queen Victoria’s (Great Alexandra was one of Queen Victoria’s (Great Britain) favorite granddaughters and she was Britain) favorite granddaughters and she was her husband’s third cousin.her husband’s third cousin.

Nicholas + Alexandra (Russia), Kaiser Wilhelm Nicholas + Alexandra (Russia), Kaiser Wilhelm II (Germany), and King George V (Britain) II (Germany), and King George V (Britain) were all cousins.were all cousins.

Alexandra was one of Victoria’s Alexandra was one of Victoria’s granddaughters that passed on the family’s granddaughters that passed on the family’s genetic disposition towards genetic disposition towards hemophiliahemophilia (uncontrollable bleeding—known as the (uncontrollable bleeding—known as the “Royal disease”). “Royal disease”).

Russia during the WarRussia during the War The young son of the Czar, The young son of the Czar,

Prince Alexis, suffered from Prince Alexis, suffered from hemophilia. hemophilia.

The palace doctors said it The palace doctors said it was incurable and that Alexis was incurable and that Alexis should spend most of his life should spend most of his life in bed to reduce his risk of in bed to reduce his risk of injury.injury.

This was kept from the public This was kept from the public as a state secret (since he as a state secret (since he was heir to the throne).was heir to the throne).

Rasputin the ‘Mad Monk’Rasputin the ‘Mad Monk’ RasputinRasputin arrived in St. arrived in St.

Petersburg (1906) in Petersburg (1906) in the robes of a monk, as the robes of a monk, as a self-styled ‘holy man,’ a self-styled ‘holy man,’ with a reputation as a with a reputation as a reckless drunkard, a reckless drunkard, a healer, and a healer, and a womanizer.womanizer.

He created his own He created his own theology and he theology and he believed that a person believed that a person had to sin in order to had to sin in order to become holy.become holy.

Rasputin the “Mad Monk’Rasputin the “Mad Monk’ He took the name He took the name

RasputinRasputin which which means ‘debauched’ means ‘debauched’ in Russian, and he in Russian, and he certainly lived up certainly lived up to his name. to his name.

Many said his blue Many said his blue eyes were eyes were ‘hypnotic’ and his ‘hypnotic’ and his personal personal magnetism was magnetism was overwhelming. overwhelming.

Rasputin the ‘Mad Monk’Rasputin the ‘Mad Monk’ RasputinRasputin, in addition , in addition

to his bad behavior, to his bad behavior, was also dirty and was also dirty and unkempt. unkempt.

He never washed or He never washed or changed his clothes, changed his clothes, and his greasy hair and his greasy hair and ragged and ragged appearance helped appearance helped convince his followers convince his followers that he was truly a that he was truly a ‘man of God.’‘man of God.’

Rasputin the ‘Mad Monk’Rasputin the ‘Mad Monk’ Through friends of the Royal family, Through friends of the Royal family,

Rasputin was invited to the palace. It Rasputin was invited to the palace. It wasn’t long before he became a wasn’t long before he became a confidante of Empress Alexandra.confidante of Empress Alexandra.

For an unknown reason, Rasputin’s For an unknown reason, Rasputin’s presence at Alexis’ bedside often left presence at Alexis’ bedside often left him dramatically improved. Alexandra him dramatically improved. Alexandra asked that Rasputin be at Alexis’s asked that Rasputin be at Alexis’s bedside whenever he was overcome with bedside whenever he was overcome with his disease.his disease.

Rasputin the ‘Mad Monk’Rasputin the ‘Mad Monk’

To the astonishment of the doctors, To the astonishment of the doctors, Rasputin’s presence seemed to help Rasputin’s presence seemed to help the young prince miraculously the young prince miraculously recover.recover.

Because of his “healing” power over Because of his “healing” power over the prince, he was a favorite of the the prince, he was a favorite of the Tsarina Alexandra.Tsarina Alexandra.

Rasputin the ‘Mad Monk’Rasputin the ‘Mad Monk’ Rasputin became a palace regular and Rasputin became a palace regular and

the center of attention for many social the center of attention for many social gatherings.gatherings.

Rasputin the ‘Mad Monk’Rasputin the ‘Mad Monk’ To most people, he was rude, overbearing, To most people, he was rude, overbearing,

obnoxious, and disrespectful. Not many obnoxious, and disrespectful. Not many liked him outside the Royal family.liked him outside the Royal family.

Most outside the palace believed he was a Most outside the palace believed he was a fraud, but Alexandra refused to hear of it.fraud, but Alexandra refused to hear of it.

Rasputin took advantage of his relationship Rasputin took advantage of his relationship with Alexandra by getting involved in with Alexandra by getting involved in politics.politics.

Rasputin the ‘Mad Monk’Rasputin the ‘Mad Monk’ He influenced her He influenced her

appointments to appointments to government positions. government positions. Anyone who objected Anyone who objected to his influence was to his influence was fired from their job.fired from their job.

Complaints to Complaints to Nicholas fell on deaf Nicholas fell on deaf ears because ears because Alexandra always Alexandra always stood up for Rasputin.stood up for Rasputin.


He began to make serious enemies as He began to make serious enemies as scandal after scandal occurred in the scandal after scandal occurred in the government with people he had had government with people he had had appointed. appointed.

When Nicky went to the front to lead the When Nicky went to the front to lead the war (1915) and he left his wife in charge war (1915) and he left his wife in charge of domestic affairs, her most trusted of domestic affairs, her most trusted advisor was Rasputin, the ‘advisor was Rasputin, the ‘Mad MonkMad Monk.’.’

Soon, Russia was in total chaos.Soon, Russia was in total chaos.

Rasputin the ‘Mad Monk’Rasputin the ‘Mad Monk’ Since Alexis’ hemophilia was a state secret, Since Alexis’ hemophilia was a state secret,

no one outside the palace could understand no one outside the palace could understand the royal family’s fascination with the ‘Mad the royal family’s fascination with the ‘Mad Monk.’Monk.’

With Nicky away at the front, rumors With Nicky away at the front, rumors circulated that Rasputin had seduced the circulated that Rasputin had seduced the Empress and even her daughters.Empress and even her daughters.


There were even rumors that Rasputin There were even rumors that Rasputin and the ‘and the ‘foreignerforeigner’ (Empress Alexandra ’ (Empress Alexandra was German) were secretly plotting to was German) were secretly plotting to hand Russia over to Germany.hand Russia over to Germany.

Both the Russian nobility and the Both the Russian nobility and the general population believed Rasputin general population believed Rasputin and Alexandra were destroying the and Alexandra were destroying the countrycountry, and that Rasputin must go., and that Rasputin must go.

Rasputin the ‘Mad Monk’Rasputin the ‘Mad Monk’ Since several members Since several members

of Russia’s nobility of Russia’s nobility blamed the country’s blamed the country’s troubles on Rasputin, troubles on Rasputin, they plotted to kill him.they plotted to kill him.

On December 16, 1916 On December 16, 1916 Rasputin was invited to Rasputin was invited to a party held by the a party held by the Grand Duke Pavlovich Grand Duke Pavlovich (the Tsar’s cousin) and (the Tsar’s cousin) and Prince Yussoupov Prince Yussoupov (husband of the Tsar’s (husband of the Tsar’s niece). niece).


Rasputin, known as a womanizer, was invited Rasputin, known as a womanizer, was invited to meet the Tsar’s beautiful niece. to meet the Tsar’s beautiful niece.

Rasputin was also known to be a heavy Rasputin was also known to be a heavy drinker, and while waiting for the Tsar’s niece drinker, and while waiting for the Tsar’s niece to appear, the Duke and Prince offered him to appear, the Duke and Prince offered him cakes and wine heavily laced with cyanide.cakes and wine heavily laced with cyanide.

After eating a few cakes with no effect (except After eating a few cakes with no effect (except for complaining about a dry throat) he had for complaining about a dry throat) he had several glasses of wine. At this point, the ‘Mad several glasses of wine. At this point, the ‘Mad Monk’ had ingested enough cyanide to kill Monk’ had ingested enough cyanide to kill several men. But he was still alive!several men. But he was still alive!


Panicking, Yussoupov got a pistol and Panicking, Yussoupov got a pistol and shot Rasputin in the chest. This shot Rasputin in the chest. This didn’t kill him either! didn’t kill him either!

Rasputin staggered out onto the Rasputin staggered out onto the palace courtyard, where he was then palace courtyard, where he was then beaten, shot again, castrated!!!, beaten, shot again, castrated!!!, rolled up in a carpet and tied, and rolled up in a carpet and tied, and then thrown off of a bridge into the then thrown off of a bridge into the freezing Neva river. Was he dead freezing Neva river. Was he dead yet???yet???

Rasputin the ‘Mad Monk’ Rasputin the ‘Mad Monk’ Three days later when an autopsy Three days later when an autopsy

was done on his recovered body, it was done on his recovered body, it was discovered that Rasputin died was discovered that Rasputin died from drowning (there was water in from drowning (there was water in his lungs)…he was still alive when his lungs)…he was still alive when he went into the freezing water.he went into the freezing water.

Rasputin the ‘Mad Monk’Rasputin the ‘Mad Monk’ News of Rasputin’s death was celebrated, News of Rasputin’s death was celebrated,

and the murderers were seen as heroes and the murderers were seen as heroes who saved Russia from the German who saved Russia from the German Czarina and the ‘Mad Monk.’Czarina and the ‘Mad Monk.’

Rasputin was buried in secrecy by the Rasputin was buried in secrecy by the Royal family. The assassins hoped that Royal family. The assassins hoped that with Rasputin dead and no longer able to with Rasputin dead and no longer able to influence Alexandra, Nicholas would be influence Alexandra, Nicholas would be free to choose competent officials that free to choose competent officials that could lead the country.could lead the country.

Rasputin the ‘Mad Monk’Rasputin the ‘Mad Monk’ But it was too late. Nicholas, on the But it was too late. Nicholas, on the

verge of a nervous breakdown, lost verge of a nervous breakdown, lost interest in running the country so interest in running the country so Alexandra continued to make bad Alexandra continued to make bad decisions on her own.decisions on her own.

For Russia, things continued to get For Russia, things continued to get worse.worse.


Post Script: Nicholas sent Rasputin's Post Script: Nicholas sent Rasputin's murderers into exile. Ironically, this murderers into exile. Ironically, this punishment eventually saved them punishment eventually saved them from imprisonment and assassination from imprisonment and assassination by the Bolsheviks (Communists). by the Bolsheviks (Communists).

Rasputin's corpse was exhumed and Rasputin's corpse was exhumed and burned by a mob during the February burned by a mob during the February Revolution of 1917. Revolution of 1917.

Russia and Two RevolutionsRussia and Two Revolutions Because of Russia’s enormous war Because of Russia’s enormous war

casualties, the population began casualties, the population began demanding peace. Russia was on the demanding peace. Russia was on the verge of Revolution. verge of Revolution.

Russians charging the German lines.Russians charging the German lines.

Russia and Two RevolutionsRussia and Two Revolutions

Both the war and the particularly Both the war and the particularly harsh winter of 1916-1917 forced harsh winter of 1916-1917 forced enormous sacrifices in Russia.enormous sacrifices in Russia.

Soldiers at the front ran out of Soldiers at the front ran out of ammunition and fuel.ammunition and fuel.

Factories ran out of fuel and had to Factories ran out of fuel and had to shut down.shut down.

Russia and Two RevolutionsRussia and Two Revolutions Bread lines wrapped around the block Bread lines wrapped around the block

and the streets of Moscow and and the streets of Moscow and Petrograd (St. Petersburg renamed to Petrograd (St. Petersburg renamed to sound more Slavic) were filled with sound more Slavic) were filled with refugees fleeing the war in Poland.refugees fleeing the war in Poland.


Against this depressing backdrop, in Against this depressing backdrop, in March 1917 Russian women erupted March 1917 Russian women erupted in protest over bread shortages and in protest over bread shortages and bread rationing.bread rationing.

The women were joined by over The women were joined by over 200,000 factory workers who then 200,000 factory workers who then went on strike.went on strike.

Nicholas sent in Army troops but the Nicholas sent in Army troops but the soldiers sided with the rioters.soldiers sided with the rioters.


When the first When the first revolution came revolution came (known as the (known as the ““bread riotsbread riots”), ”), Nicholas left the Nicholas left the Front and was Front and was forced to abdicate forced to abdicate his throne (or be his throne (or be killed).killed).


A new A new Provisional GovernmentProvisional Government was set up (which was more was set up (which was more Democratic) that pleased President Democratic) that pleased President Wilson and the United States.Wilson and the United States.

With the Tsar removed from power, With the Tsar removed from power, one of the President’s biggest one of the President’s biggest objections for American involvement objections for American involvement had now been removedhad now been removed..


The Provisional Government The Provisional Government instituted universal suffrage, equal instituted universal suffrage, equal rights for women, and basic civil rights for women, and basic civil liberties.liberties.


But the Provisional Government made But the Provisional Government made a major mistake…a major mistake…it continued the war it continued the war out of a sense of pride and honorout of a sense of pride and honor. .

The Provisional Government believed The Provisional Government believed that a “democratic” Russia would that a “democratic” Russia would inspire troops to fight (especially since inspire troops to fight (especially since Germans were on Russian soil).Germans were on Russian soil).


By 1917, Russia had sustained the By 1917, Russia had sustained the highest number of war casualties—an highest number of war casualties—an astounding 7.5 million dead or astounding 7.5 million dead or wounded.wounded.

Fighting on the Eastern Front drove Fighting on the Eastern Front drove millions of peasants into the Russian millions of peasants into the Russian interior, spreading hunger, interior, spreading hunger, homelessness, and despair. homelessness, and despair.

The Russian people wanted the war The Russian people wanted the war ended. Another revolution loomed on ended. Another revolution loomed on the horizon.the horizon.

The “Battalion of Death”The “Battalion of Death” The most famous female soldiers of WWI The most famous female soldiers of WWI

fought for Russia. Led by a 25 year old fought for Russia. Led by a 25 year old peasant girl, they were known as the peasant girl, they were known as the ““Battalion of DeathBattalion of Death.” .”

The “Battalion of Death”The “Battalion of Death”

The “Battalion” was formed The “Battalion” was formed because because morale was so bad among the male morale was so bad among the male Russian soldiersRussian soldiers..

The 300 unit battalion was not designed The 300 unit battalion was not designed to have a major impact on battle to have a major impact on battle strategy, it was designed to be a strategy, it was designed to be a propaganda tool, to “shame men who propaganda tool, to “shame men who were deserters or afraid of the enemy…were deserters or afraid of the enemy…that their sisters would lead them into that their sisters would lead them into battle.”battle.”

The “Battalion of Death”The “Battalion of Death” The Provisional Government hoped a The Provisional Government hoped a

female unit would trigger an advance female unit would trigger an advance all along the Russian-German front (it all along the Russian-German front (it didn’t…”the men knew no shame.”)didn’t…”the men knew no shame.”)

Russia’s Second RevolutionRussia’s Second Revolution

As the war continued to go badly for the As the war continued to go badly for the Russians, more and more citizens called Russians, more and more citizens called for peace. Anger quickly replaced hopeful for peace. Anger quickly replaced hopeful expectations about the ability of the expectations about the ability of the Provisional Government to make the Provisional Government to make the people’s lives better.people’s lives better.

Within seven months of taking over the Within seven months of taking over the country, the Provisional Government was country, the Provisional Government was destroyed during the “destroyed during the “October RevolutionOctober Revolution” ” by a new force in Russian politics…the by a new force in Russian politics…the CommunistsCommunists (called (called BolsheviksBolsheviks). ).


Provisional troops fighting the Provisional troops fighting the Bolsheviks.Bolsheviks.


The Bolsheviks, led The Bolsheviks, led by Vladimir by Vladimir Ulyanov (Ulyanov (LeninLenin), ), immediately immediately negotiated with negotiated with Germany to end Germany to end the war.the war.


With the With the Treaty of Brest-LitovskTreaty of Brest-Litovsk, , the new Communist government of the new Communist government of Russia gave in to German demands Russia gave in to German demands for ending the war. Germany got for ending the war. Germany got most of eastern Europe, including most of eastern Europe, including most of today’s Poland.most of today’s Poland.

Much of this territory was rich in coal Much of this territory was rich in coal and iron ore which gave the German and iron ore which gave the German war machine a needed boost.war machine a needed boost.


More importantly, More importantly, Germany could Germany could now move millions of men from the now move millions of men from the Eastern Front and focus solely on Eastern Front and focus solely on fighting the French/British Allies on fighting the French/British Allies on the Western Frontthe Western Front. .

The prospects for a German victory The prospects for a German victory looked better than any other time looked better than any other time since 1914.since 1914.

The Allies now felt betrayed by The Allies now felt betrayed by Russia and anti-Socialist/Communist Russia and anti-Socialist/Communist sentiment reached a peak.sentiment reached a peak.


After the Russians dropped out of the After the Russians dropped out of the war, the war, the Allies led a small scale invasion Allies led a small scale invasion of Russiaof Russia. .

In 1918 the invasion was made with the In 1918 the invasion was made with the intent to punish the Russians for dropping intent to punish the Russians for dropping out of the war and to support the Czarists out of the war and to support the Czarists in the Russian Revolution (even though in the Russian Revolution (even though those who supported the Czar were not those who supported the Czar were not liked, the idea of Communists running liked, the idea of Communists running Russia REALLY SCARED Western leaders).Russia REALLY SCARED Western leaders).


Over 100,000 Allied troops (mostly Over 100,000 Allied troops (mostly American and Japanese) landed at American and Japanese) landed at Archangel and and Vladivostok. They They were told they were invading to keep were told they were invading to keep supplies from German troops; in supplies from German troops; in reality they were trying to keep them reality they were trying to keep them from the Communists. from the Communists.

The European Home FrontThe European Home Front

WWI took place off the battlefield WWI took place off the battlefield too. As the first ‘too. As the first ‘total wartotal war,” civilians ,” civilians were involved in almost every aspect were involved in almost every aspect of the war (except the fighting).of the war (except the fighting).

Civilians made the bullets, machine Civilians made the bullets, machine guns, bombs, poisonous gases, guns, bombs, poisonous gases, airplanes and tanks, etc.airplanes and tanks, etc.

They also made the canes, coffins, They also made the canes, coffins, wheelchairs, and artificial limbs.wheelchairs, and artificial limbs.


Civilians had to work overtime and sacrifice Civilians had to work overtime and sacrifice much for victory.much for victory.

To keep the war machine running smoothly, To keep the war machine running smoothly, governments oversaw factories, governments oversaw factories, transportation systems, and resources transportation systems, and resources ranging from food to coal to textiles (the ranging from food to coal to textiles (the creation of creation of planned economiesplanned economies). Liberalism?). Liberalism?


Politics SuspendedPolitics Suspended: Initially, all political : Initially, all political parties on both sides put aside their parties on both sides put aside their differences and became very differences and became very nationalistic.nationalistic.

Socialists and suffragettes (both very Socialists and suffragettes (both very anti-establishment), middle-class anti-establishment), middle-class parties and working-class parties all parties and working-class parties all came together to support their came together to support their respective countries.respective countries.


Ordinary people, even those who had Ordinary people, even those who had been discriminated against, came been discriminated against, came together in a sense of national unity.together in a sense of national unity.

One German rabbi said, “In the One German rabbi said, “In the German fatherland there are no German fatherland there are no longer any Christians and Jews, any longer any Christians and Jews, any believers and disbelievers, there are believers and disbelievers, there are only Germans.” only Germans.”


Governments Mobilize the PeopleGovernments Mobilize the People: All : All combatants were caught without ready combatants were caught without ready replacements for lost workers, military replacements for lost workers, military materials, and food.materials, and food.

War ministries set up boards to allocate War ministries set up boards to allocate labor and give industrialists incentives to labor and give industrialists incentives to produce more.produce more.

Desperate for factory workers, the Desperate for factory workers, the Germans forced Belgian citizens to move Germans forced Belgian citizens to move to Germany, housing them in prison to Germany, housing them in prison camps. camps.


The French forcibly transported 100,000 The French forcibly transported 100,000 Vietnamese to work in France for the war Vietnamese to work in France for the war effort.effort.

Governments passed sedition laws Governments passed sedition laws making it a crime to criticize government making it a crime to criticize government policies.policies.

Civilians had to work harder, longer, and Civilians had to work harder, longer, and deal with constant food/clothing/fuel deal with constant food/clothing/fuel shortages.shortages.

Women’s roles changed.Women’s roles changed.


The British passed the “The British passed the “Defense of Defense of the Realm Actthe Realm Act” (DORA) in 1914.” (DORA) in 1914.

The DORA governed almost every The DORA governed almost every aspect of the life of a British subject.aspect of the life of a British subject.

(Can’t spread rumors about military (Can’t spread rumors about military matters; can’t buy binoculars; can’t matters; can’t buy binoculars; can’t melt down gold or silver, etc.)melt down gold or silver, etc.)

Propaganda was designed to ensure Propaganda was designed to ensure acceptance of the war as a “mission acceptance of the war as a “mission to destroy the enemy.”to destroy the enemy.”

The Home FrontThe Home Front Examples of Allied propaganda posters.Examples of Allied propaganda posters.

The Home FrontThe Home Front

American NeutralityAmerican Neutrality The early impact of the war on the United The early impact of the war on the United

States was enormous. States was enormous. The economy The economy boomedboomed. American farmers and . American farmers and manufacturers rushed to fill orders for manufacturers rushed to fill orders for food and war goods.food and war goods.

By 1917 trade with the Allied Powers had By 1917 trade with the Allied Powers had grown seven-fold in value (and by a much grown seven-fold in value (and by a much smaller amount with the Central Powers).smaller amount with the Central Powers).

American NeutralityAmerican Neutrality

This trade imbalance This trade imbalance meant that the U.S. meant that the U.S. was not strictly being was not strictly being neutral. neutral.

As a neutral nation, As a neutral nation, the U.S. claimed she the U.S. claimed she could trade with either could trade with either side in the conflict side in the conflict (and we did).(and we did).

American NeutralityAmerican Neutrality When Germany established When Germany established

its ‘its ‘war zonewar zone’ around Britain, ’ around Britain, the U. S. protested. As the U. S. protested. As Britain’s largest trading Britain’s largest trading partner, submarine warfare partner, submarine warfare became a major threat to became a major threat to our economy.our economy.

Even though relations Even though relations between Germany and the between Germany and the U.S. had been poor since the U.S. had been poor since the turn of the century, the turn of the century, the disagreements over sub disagreements over sub warfare produced the first warfare produced the first real crisis.real crisis.

American NeutralityAmerican Neutrality President Wilson adopted President Wilson adopted

a rigid stance, insisting a rigid stance, insisting on on full neutral shipping full neutral shipping rightsrights with all the with all the warring powers.warring powers.

President Wilson and President Wilson and most Americans wanted most Americans wanted to maintain a neutral to maintain a neutral stance during this war. stance during this war. It was a European It was a European problem, not an problem, not an American one.American one.

American American NeutralityNeutrality

President Wilson called President Wilson called on the European powers on the European powers to seek “peace without to seek “peace without victory.”victory.”

Even though Wilson Even though Wilson maintained that the maintained that the United States “must be United States “must be neutral in fact as well as neutral in fact as well as in name,” in name,” it was obvious it was obvious that the U.S. favored the that the U.S. favored the Allies.Allies.

Wilson warned the Wilson warned the Germans that they Germans that they would be held would be held accountable for any loss accountable for any loss of American life or of American life or property.property.

The The LusitaniaLusitania Affair Affair

The The LusitaniaLusitania Affair Affair NOTICE!NOTICE!

• TRAVELLERS intending to embark on the TRAVELLERS intending to embark on the Atlantic voyage are reminded that a state of Atlantic voyage are reminded that a state of war exists between Germany and her allies war exists between Germany and her allies and Great Britain and her allies; that the zone and Great Britain and her allies; that the zone of war includes the waters adjacent to the of war includes the waters adjacent to the British Isles; that, in accordance with formal British Isles; that, in accordance with formal notice given by the Imperial German notice given by the Imperial German Government, vessels flying the flag of Great Government, vessels flying the flag of Great Britain, or any of her allies, are liable to Britain, or any of her allies, are liable to destruction in those waters and that travelers destruction in those waters and that travelers sailing in the war zone on the ships of Great sailing in the war zone on the ships of Great Britain or her allies do so at their own risk.Britain or her allies do so at their own risk.

IMPERIAL GERMAN EMBASSY,IMPERIAL GERMAN EMBASSY,Washington, D.C. April 22, 1915Washington, D.C. April 22, 1915


The trip from New York across the The trip from New York across the Atlantic was uneventful (so far).Atlantic was uneventful (so far).

On Friday, May 7 (1915) the On Friday, May 7 (1915) the LusitaniaLusitania neared the Irish coast neared the Irish coast expecting to escorted by Irish ships expecting to escorted by Irish ships to port in Liverpool (England).to port in Liverpool (England).

Instead, 11 miles from the southern Instead, 11 miles from the southern Irish coast, it is spotted by a German Irish coast, it is spotted by a German U-boat.U-boat.

The The LusitaniaLusitania Affair Affair Relations between the U.S. and Germany Relations between the U.S. and Germany

then reached the crisis point because that then reached the crisis point because that German U-boat sent two torpedoes into German U-boat sent two torpedoes into the port side of the the port side of the HMS Lusitania.HMS Lusitania.

One of the world’s largest ocean liners One of the world’s largest ocean liners (thought to be unsinkable) sank in less (thought to be unsinkable) sank in less than 18 minutes (only 6 of the 48 lifeboats than 18 minutes (only 6 of the 48 lifeboats made it safely into the water).made it safely into the water).

Nearly 1200 people were killed out of Nearly 1200 people were killed out of 1959 on board (over 100 children); 128 1959 on board (over 100 children); 128 were Americans.were Americans.


Germany warned passengers not to Germany warned passengers not to travel on the travel on the LusitaniaLusitania because they because they knew it carried war munitions bound knew it carried war munitions bound for Britain. for Britain.

Germany felt it had a legitimate right Germany felt it had a legitimate right to sink the ship. to sink the ship.

The United States and Britain denied The United States and Britain denied the the Lusitania Lusitania carried weapons (when carried weapons (when it actually did). it actually did).

The The LusitaniaLusitania Affair Affair The British thought the Germans would The British thought the Germans would

never fire on an unarmed passenger never fire on an unarmed passenger ship.ship.

In her cargo hold, the In her cargo hold, the LusitaniaLusitania carried carried 4,200,000 bullets, 1250 cases of cannon 4,200,000 bullets, 1250 cases of cannon shells, and 18 cases of fuses.shells, and 18 cases of fuses.

As the Germans pointed out, according As the Germans pointed out, according to to International LawInternational Law, the , the LusitaniaLusitania waswas a legitimate target.a legitimate target.

The Germans apologized.The Germans apologized.


American outrage over this American outrage over this caused President Wilson to take caused President Wilson to take a tougher stand on a tougher stand on freedom of freedom of the seasthe seas. .

He sent three diplomatic notes to He sent three diplomatic notes to Germany, each demanding an Germany, each demanding an end to submarine warfare.end to submarine warfare.

The The LusitaniaLusitania Affair Affair•Less than three months after the Less than three months after the LusitaniaLusitania went down, the Germans went down, the Germans sank the British liner the sank the British liner the ArabicArabic, , killing killing two more Americans.two more Americans. •The U.S. now threatened war.The U.S. now threatened war.

The The Sussex Sussex PledgePledge Not wanting to bring the U.S. into the Not wanting to bring the U.S. into the

war, the Kaiser publicly ordered his war, the Kaiser publicly ordered his submarine commanders to halt submarine commanders to halt attacks on passenger ships.attacks on passenger ships.

The Kaiser’s pledge placated Wilson The Kaiser’s pledge placated Wilson until March 1916 when the Germans until March 1916 when the Germans sank an unarmed French ferry in the sank an unarmed French ferry in the English Channel (the English Channel (the SussexSussex).).

The The SussexSussex Pledge Pledge

President Wilson now threatened to President Wilson now threatened to sever all diplomatic ties with sever all diplomatic ties with Germany (usually the last step Germany (usually the last step before war).before war).

The Kaiser responded with a promise The Kaiser responded with a promise (called the (called the Sussex PledgeSussex Pledge) not to ) not to sink any ships-passenger or sink any ships-passenger or merchant-without warning and merchant-without warning and without trying to save those on board without trying to save those on board (May 1916).(May 1916).

A New German StrategyA New German Strategy When the Germans thought the Russians When the Germans thought the Russians

might withdraw from the war, they might withdraw from the war, they focused on finding a solution to the focused on finding a solution to the stalemate with France.stalemate with France.

With the prospect of sending millions of With the prospect of sending millions of troops from the Eastern Front to fight the troops from the Eastern Front to fight the French/British, the Germans felt they French/British, the Germans felt they were in a position to restart were in a position to restart unrestricted unrestricted submarine warfaresubmarine warfare against the British (to against the British (to starve them into submission).starve them into submission).

A New German StrategyA New German Strategy

After three terrible years of trench After three terrible years of trench warfare, the Germans were willing to warfare, the Germans were willing to gamble on this strategy. Why?gamble on this strategy. Why?

Unrestricted sub warfare resumed on Unrestricted sub warfare resumed on February 1, 1917.February 1, 1917.


The German General Staff argued The German General Staff argued that even if the U.S. came into the that even if the U.S. came into the war, France would be defeated and war, France would be defeated and Britain would be starved out (in less Britain would be starved out (in less than 6 weeks).than 6 weeks).

Both would happen before the U.S. Both would happen before the U.S. could have any real presence in could have any real presence in Europe.Europe.


When the Germans resumed their When the Germans resumed their sink-on-sight submarine campaignsink-on-sight submarine campaign in in February 1917, Wilson immediately February 1917, Wilson immediately broke diplomatic relations with broke diplomatic relations with Germany.Germany.

The President immediately asked The President immediately asked Congress to arm all American Congress to arm all American merchant ships (using a law dating merchant ships (using a law dating back to the War of 1812). back to the War of 1812).


After the Germans sunk 8 more American After the Germans sunk 8 more American ships, the ships, the President called for a special President called for a special session of Congresssession of Congress (April 2, 1917) and (April 2, 1917) and asked for asked for a declaration of wara declaration of war (which (which came on April 6, 1917).came on April 6, 1917).

In between the resumption of In between the resumption of unrestricted submarine warfare and unrestricted submarine warfare and President Wilson’s asking Congress for President Wilson’s asking Congress for war came a major German diplomatic war came a major German diplomatic blunder…blunder…

The Zimmerman NoteThe Zimmerman Note The German Foreign Secretary, The German Foreign Secretary, Alfred Alfred

Zimmerman, Zimmerman, knew the U-boat strategy knew the U-boat strategy would bring the U.S. into the war.would bring the U.S. into the war.

He devised a plan to preoccupy the U.S. He devised a plan to preoccupy the U.S. with a war on its southern borderwith a war on its southern border. . Germany wanted to take advantage of Germany wanted to take advantage of sour U.S.-Mexican relations.sour U.S.-Mexican relations.

The Zimmerman NoteThe Zimmerman Note Zimmerman sent a telegram to the Zimmerman sent a telegram to the

German minister in Mexico. If the German minister in Mexico. If the U.S. entered the war, the German U.S. entered the war, the German ambassador was instructed to offer ambassador was instructed to offer Mexico its “lost territory in Arizona, Mexico its “lost territory in Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas” on the New Mexico, and Texas” on the condition Mexico declared war on the condition Mexico declared war on the U.S. U.S.

Mexico was also to urge Japan to Mexico was also to urge Japan to switch to Germany’s side.switch to Germany’s side.

The Zimmerman NoteThe Zimmerman Note

British naval intelligence British naval intelligence intercepted the message, intercepted the message, decoded it, and released its decoded it, and released its contents to American diplomats, contents to American diplomats, then the newspapers.then the newspapers.

Americans were outraged and Americans were outraged and pressured Wilson for war.pressured Wilson for war.

President Wilson responded by President Wilson responded by condemning the German condemning the German submarine policy as “warfare submarine policy as “warfare against mankind.”against mankind.”

Immediate Causes for American Immediate Causes for American InvolvementInvolvement

1). Germany’s 1). Germany’s Unrestricted Submarine Unrestricted Submarine WarfareWarfare. Once Germany broke the Sussex . Once Germany broke the Sussex Pledge, Wilson asked for a declaration of War.Pledge, Wilson asked for a declaration of War.

2). The 2). The Zimmerman NoteZimmerman Note released a month released a month before the declaration of war got American before the declaration of war got American public opinion solidly behind the call for war.public opinion solidly behind the call for war.

3). The 3). The Russian RevolutionRussian Revolution which overthrew which overthrew the Czarist autocracy made it easier for the U.S. the Czarist autocracy made it easier for the U.S. to join the Allies in the cause of democracy. to join the Allies in the cause of democracy. Now Wilson’s administration didn’t have to Now Wilson’s administration didn’t have to apologize for its alignment with the Russian apologize for its alignment with the Russian autocracy.autocracy.

America Declares WarAmerica Declares War The War Resolution was passed on April 6, The War Resolution was passed on April 6,

1917. President Wilson charged Germany with 1917. President Wilson charged Germany with violations of international war, the murder of violations of international war, the murder of innocent Americans, and cited the Zimmerman innocent Americans, and cited the Zimmerman note as a threat to national security.note as a threat to national security.

President Wilson’s message to Congress (and President Wilson’s message to Congress (and the American people) stated his belief that the American people) stated his belief that entering the war was not only just, it was noble.entering the war was not only just, it was noble.

America Declares WarAmerica Declares War Wilson then elevated the war to a conflict Wilson then elevated the war to a conflict

between between morality and evilmorality and evil when he charged when he charged the Germans with declaring war on humanity. the Germans with declaring war on humanity. In one of the most famous lines from a In one of the most famous lines from a presidential speech, Wilson said “…the world presidential speech, Wilson said “…the world must be made safe for democracy through this must be made safe for democracy through this war to end all wars.”war to end all wars.”

President Wilson concluded his remarks saying: President Wilson concluded his remarks saying: “It “It is a fearful thing to lead this great peaceful people into is a fearful thing to lead this great peaceful people into war, into the most terrible and disastrous of all wars, war, into the most terrible and disastrous of all wars, civilization itself seeming to be in the balance. But the civilization itself seeming to be in the balance. But the right is more precious than peace, and we shall fight for right is more precious than peace, and we shall fight for the thing which we have always carried nearest our the thing which we have always carried nearest our hearts—for democracy.”hearts—for democracy.”

The CPIThe CPI

Before the United States Before the United States officially declared war on the officially declared war on the Central Powers, President Central Powers, President Wilson created the Wilson created the Committee Committee on Public Informationon Public Information (CPI). (CPI).

The job of the CPI was to The job of the CPI was to mobilize and strengthen public mobilize and strengthen public opinion in favor of the war. The opinion in favor of the war. The CPI also publicized American CPI also publicized American war aims abroad.war aims abroad.

The CPIThe CPI Headed by Headed by George George

CreelCreel, a series of , a series of ““Hang the KaiserHang the Kaiser” ” films were films were produced, and produced, and hundreds of hundreds of thousands of posters thousands of posters were printed and were printed and distributed (the distributed (the most famous is most famous is Uncle Sam). Uncle Sam).

The CPIThe CPI The CPI raised an army of The CPI raised an army of

75,000 “75,000 “Four Minute MenFour Minute Men” ” who were paid to deliver pro-who were paid to deliver pro-war speeches on street war speeches on street corners. corners.

Teddy Roosevelt went Teddy Roosevelt went around the country around the country campaigning for military campaigning for military preparedness and for rapid preparedness and for rapid American involvement in the American involvement in the war (many feared it would be war (many feared it would be over before we got into it).over before we got into it).

The CPIThe CPI The CPI implemented “voluntary guidelines” The CPI implemented “voluntary guidelines”

(censorship) for the news media and helped push (censorship) for the news media and helped push through the through the Espionage Act of 1917Espionage Act of 1917 and the and the Sedition Act of 1918Sedition Act of 1918..

From lecture hall podiums and movie screens to From lecture hall podiums and movie screens to newspapers and magazines (even the inside of newspapers and magazines (even the inside of payroll envelopes), Americans were bombarded payroll envelopes), Americans were bombarded with the Allied cause.with the Allied cause.

The CPI spreading ‘the word’The CPI spreading ‘the word’

America at WarAmerica at War

When America entered the war, the When America entered the war, the Allies needed everything. Britain and Allies needed everything. Britain and France were on the verge of collapse. France were on the verge of collapse. In Russia, soldiers at the front were In Russia, soldiers at the front were deserting to join the revolution.deserting to join the revolution.

Creating an ArmyCreating an Army: before it could : before it could fight, the U.S. needed and army. All fight, the U.S. needed and army. All male citizens between 21 and 30 male citizens between 21 and 30 were required to sign up for the were required to sign up for the draft. draft.

America at WarAmerica at War Between 1917-1918, 4 million men and Between 1917-1918, 4 million men and

women joined the armed services. women joined the armed services. Thousands of soldiers were newly Thousands of soldiers were newly arrived immigrants to the U.S. arrived immigrants to the U.S. (including Mrs. Soff’s grandfather).(including Mrs. Soff’s grandfather).

Over 20,000 Puerto Ricans volunteered. Over 20,000 Puerto Ricans volunteered. Many Native Americans (who were not Many Native Americans (who were not yet technically citizens so they couldn’t yet technically citizens so they couldn’t be drafted) enlisted anyway. Even be drafted) enlisted anyway. Even though Native Americans didn’t have to though Native Americans didn’t have to fight, 17,000 volunteered. They were fight, 17,000 volunteered. They were used mainly as messengers. used mainly as messengers.

America at WarAmerica at War Unfortunately at first, African-Unfortunately at first, African-

Americans were not allowed in Americans were not allowed in combat. When the government combat. When the government abandoned that policy, more abandoned that policy, more than 2 million African-Americans than 2 million African-Americans registered for the draft. Nearly registered for the draft. Nearly 400,000 were accepted for duty. 400,000 were accepted for duty. They were forced into They were forced into segregated “black only” units segregated “black only” units that were commanded by white that were commanded by white officers. Still African-Americans officers. Still African-Americans rallied behind the war effort.rallied behind the war effort.

The Harlem Hell FightersThe Harlem Hell Fighters

Among the first Among the first units to be attached units to be attached to the French Army to the French Army was the 369was the 369thth United United States Infantry. This States Infantry. This African-American African-American unit became known unit became known as the as the Harlem Hell Harlem Hell FightersFighters..


Although the U.S. allowed few Although the U.S. allowed few African-American troops to train for African-American troops to train for combat (most held rear positions like combat (most held rear positions like cooks or drivers) the French were cooks or drivers) the French were glad to have African-Americans fight glad to have African-Americans fight side by side with them.side by side with them.

The Harlem Hell Fighters spent more The Harlem Hell Fighters spent more time under enemy fire than any time under enemy fire than any other American unit (191 days).other American unit (191 days).


•For their exceptional bravery, France awarded For their exceptional bravery, France awarded these men the Croix de Guerre (Cross of War) these men the Croix de Guerre (Cross of War) and other numerous decorations.and other numerous decorations.•The Harlem Hell Fighters became the most The Harlem Hell Fighters became the most highly decorated American soldiers in the war highly decorated American soldiers in the war (and among the most decorated in American (and among the most decorated in American history).history).

““Food will win the war”Food will win the war” America was counted upon to feed the Allied America was counted upon to feed the Allied

troops. Many in the Allied nations were troops. Many in the Allied nations were starving so it was up to America to feed starving so it was up to America to feed them. them.

The food they saved was for the soldiers in The food they saved was for the soldiers in EuropeEurope. The Food Administration’s . The Food Administration’s campaign to encourage Americans to grow campaign to encourage Americans to grow more and eat less focused on wheat, meat, more and eat less focused on wheat, meat, and sugar.and sugar.

““Food will win the war”Food will win the war”

Families planted Families planted ““victory gardensvictory gardens” ” for home use. for home use. People went without People went without wheat on “wheatless wheat on “wheatless Mondays,” and Mondays,” and without meat on without meat on “meatless “meatless Tuesdays.”Tuesdays.”

““Food will win the war”Food will win the war” Some common slogans: Some common slogans:

“Serve beans by all means” “Serve beans by all means” and “Don’t let your horse be and “Don’t let your horse be more patriotic than you—Eat a more patriotic than you—Eat a dish of oatmeal!”dish of oatmeal!”

““Food will win the war”Food will win the war”

Even President Wilson Even President Wilson did his part for the war did his part for the war effort. Since the White effort. Since the White House gardeners had House gardeners had been drafted, a herd of been drafted, a herd of 8 sheep was kept to 8 sheep was kept to trim the White House trim the White House lawns. lawns.

Wilson raised $100,000 Wilson raised $100,000 for the Red Cross by for the Red Cross by selling the wool of the selling the wool of the White House sheep.White House sheep.

The Fourteen PointsThe Fourteen Points In January 1918, eleven months before the war In January 1918, eleven months before the war

ended, President Wilson announced his ended, President Wilson announced his Fourteen Fourteen PointsPoints to Congress, which was his long range plan to Congress, which was his long range plan for peace in Europe.for peace in Europe.

The most important provisions called for:The most important provisions called for:

1). the end to secret diplomacy and secret 1). the end to secret diplomacy and secret treaties;treaties;

2). freedom of the seas for all;2). freedom of the seas for all;

3). freedom of trade among all nations;3). freedom of trade among all nations;

4). reduce arms;4). reduce arms;

5). disposal of colonies of the defeated powers in 5). disposal of colonies of the defeated powers in the interest of the colonial subjects;the interest of the colonial subjects;

6). creation of the League of Nations6). creation of the League of Nations

the great war russia, the revolution, and the united states world war i 1914-1918

Documents

russia yellow

russia didnt

russian soldiers

great war russia

enemy slide

russian officers

russian commanders

aged war