world war i

WORLD WAR IWORLD WAR I““War is no longer Samson with his War is no longer Samson with his shield and spear and sword, and shield and spear and sword, and

David with his sling. It is the David with his sling. It is the conflict of smokestacks now, the conflict of smokestacks now, the

combat of the driving wheel and the combat of the driving wheel and the engine.”engine.”

MILITARISMMILITARISM

Empires were less expensive to build and Empires were less expensive to build and defenddefend

Growth of nationalism and imperialism led Growth of nationalism and imperialism led to increased military spendingto increased military spending

The imperial powers followed a policy of The imperial powers followed a policy of militarism—the development of armed militarism—the development of armed forces and their use as a diplomacy toolforces and their use as a diplomacy tool

1890—Germany was the strongest 1890—Germany was the strongest European nationEuropean nation– They wanted to compete as a Naval Power—They wanted to compete as a Naval Power—

pretty soon they were competing with Britain’s pretty soon they were competing with Britain’s naval powernaval power

ALLIANCE SYSTEMALLIANCE SYSTEM

1907—Two major defense alliances 1907—Two major defense alliances in Europein Europe– The Triple Entente (Allies)—France, The Triple Entente (Allies)—France,

Britain, and RussiaBritain, and Russia– The Triple Alliance (Central Powers)—The Triple Alliance (Central Powers)—

Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy—Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy—eventually the Ottoman Empireeventually the Ottoman Empire

The alliances provided a measure of The alliances provided a measure of international security because international security because nations were reluctant to disturb the nations were reluctant to disturb the balance of powerbalance of power

IMPERIALISMIMPERIALISM

European nations had European nations had been building empiresbeen building empires

Colonies supplied the Colonies supplied the European powers with European powers with raw materials and raw materials and markets for goodsmarkets for goods

As Germany As Germany industrialized, it industrialized, it competed with France competed with France and Britain in the and Britain in the contest for coloniescontest for colonies

NATIONALISMNATIONALISM Politics in the Western World was Politics in the Western World was

deeply influenced by nationalism deeply influenced by nationalism during the 19during the 19thth century century

In this atmosphere, competition soared In this atmosphere, competition soared and many feared Germany’s growing and many feared Germany’s growing power in Europepower in Europe

Ethnic groups also resented domination Ethnic groups also resented domination by others and wanted independenceby others and wanted independence

Many looked to the larger nations for Many looked to the larger nations for protectionprotection

ASSASSINATION = WARASSASSINATION = WAR The spark that started the war began in The spark that started the war began in

“the powder keg of Europe”—Balkan “the powder keg of Europe”—Balkan PeninsulaPeninsula

Ethnic rivalries and leading powers’ Ethnic rivalries and leading powers’ interests there created a problem between interests there created a problem between Bosnia and SerbiaBosnia and Serbia

In June 1914, Archduke Franz Ferdinand, In June 1914, Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the Austrian throne, visited the heir to the Austrian throne, visited the Bosnian capital SarajevoBosnian capital Sarajevo

He and his wife were shot by Gavrilo Princip He and his wife were shot by Gavrilo Princip while they were driving down the streetswhile they were driving down the streets

Princip was a member of the Black Hand-an Princip was a member of the Black Hand-an organization promoting Serbian Nationalismorganization promoting Serbian Nationalism

ASSASSINATION = WARASSASSINATION = WAR

On June 28, 1914, Austria-Hungary On June 28, 1914, Austria-Hungary declared war against Serbiadeclared war against Serbia

The Alliance System pulled one nation The Alliance System pulled one nation after another into the conflictafter another into the conflict

Germany, obligated by treaty, declared Germany, obligated by treaty, declared war on Russia to protect A-H on August 1war on Russia to protect A-H on August 1

On August 3, Germany declared war on On August 3, Germany declared war on FranceFrance

After Germany invaded Belgium (a After Germany invaded Belgium (a neutral country), Britain declared war on neutral country), Britain declared war on GermanyGermany

The Great War had begunThe Great War had begun

THE FIGHTING STARTSTHE FIGHTING STARTS

August 3, 1914—Germany enacted August 3, 1914—Germany enacted the Schlieffen Planthe Schlieffen Plan

This plan called for: This plan called for: – a holding action against Russiaa holding action against Russia– A quick drive through Belgium to ParisA quick drive through Belgium to Paris– Then the two German armies would Then the two German armies would

defeat Russiadefeat Russia Unable to save Belgium, the Allies Unable to save Belgium, the Allies

retreated to the Marne River in retreated to the Marne River in France, where they halted the France, where they halted the advance in September 1914advance in September 1914

TRENCH WARFARETRENCH WARFARE

Both sides dug in for a long seigeBoth sides dug in for a long seige By 1915, trenches outlined the By 1915, trenches outlined the

border between France and Germanyborder between France and Germany There were three main trenches:There were three main trenches:

– Front lineFront line– SupportSupport– ReserveReserve

Each trench had several dugouts—Each trench had several dugouts—underground rooms used as officers’ underground rooms used as officers’ quarters and command postsquarters and command posts


Between the trench complexes Between the trench complexes lay “no man’s land”—a barren lay “no man’s land”—a barren expanse of mud pockmarked expanse of mud pockmarked with shell craters and filled with with shell craters and filled with barbed wirebarbed wire

Soldiers who charged the lines Soldiers who charged the lines were mowed down by machine were mowed down by machine gunsguns


July 1, 1916—the Battle of the July 1, 1916—the Battle of the SommeSomme– The British suffered 60,000 casualties The British suffered 60,000 casualties

in the first day alonein the first day alone– Final casualties totaled about 1.2 Final casualties totaled about 1.2

millionmillion– Only 7 miles of land had changed handsOnly 7 miles of land had changed hands

The Trench Warfare, in which armies The Trench Warfare, in which armies fought for mere yards, continued for fought for mere yards, continued for over three yearsover three years

DIVIDED LOYALTIESDIVIDED LOYALTIES

In 1914, Americans saw no reason to In 1914, Americans saw no reason to join a struggle 3,000 miles awayjoin a struggle 3,000 miles away

Socialists criticized the war as a Socialists criticized the war as a capitalist and imperialist struggle capitalist and imperialist struggle between Germany and England to between Germany and England to control markets and colonies in control markets and colonies in China, Africa, and the Middle EastChina, Africa, and the Middle East

Pacifists, like William Jennings Pacifists, like William Jennings Bryan, believed that war was evil Bryan, believed that war was evil and that the U.S. should set an and that the U.S. should set an example of peace to the worldexample of peace to the world

DIVIDED LOYALTIESDIVIDED LOYALTIES Many Americans simply did not want Many Americans simply did not want

their sons to experience the horrors of their sons to experience the horrors of warwar

Millions of naturalized citizens followed Millions of naturalized citizens followed the war closely because they still had the war closely because they still had ties to the nations from which they had ties to the nations from which they had emigratedemigrated

The sympathies increased for both sides The sympathies increased for both sides as the war continuedas the war continued

However, Germany’s aggressive behavior However, Germany’s aggressive behavior towards innocent civilians in Belgium towards innocent civilians in Belgium made many Americans side with Britainmade many Americans side with Britain


Germany became “the bully of Europe”Germany became “the bully of Europe” Propaganda provided by Britain—Propaganda provided by Britain—

eventually proven false—created this eventually proven false—created this sense of anger towards Germanysense of anger towards Germany

America’s economic ties were much America’s economic ties were much stronger with the Allies than the stronger with the Allies than the Central PowersCentral Powers

The Allies flooded American The Allies flooded American manufacturers with orders with manufacturers with orders with supplies for the war, and this helped to supplies for the war, and this helped to separate America and Germany even separate America and Germany even moremore


The U.S. shipped millions of dollars of The U.S. shipped millions of dollars of war supplies to the Allies, but requests war supplies to the Allies, but requests kept comingkept coming

By 1915, the U.S. was experiencing a By 1915, the U.S. was experiencing a labor shortagelabor shortage

From 1914 on, trade with the Allies From 1914 on, trade with the Allies nearly quadrupled while trade with nearly quadrupled while trade with Germany fell to almost zeroGermany fell to almost zero

By 1917, many Americans felt that By 1917, many Americans felt that prosperity depended upon an Allied prosperity depended upon an Allied victoryvictory

THE WAR HITS HOMETHE WAR HITS HOME

British blockadeBritish blockade– Britain made use of its navy with a Britain made use of its navy with a

blockade of Germanyblockade of Germany– At first they prevented only military At first they prevented only military

supplies and weapons from getting supplies and weapons from getting through—but eventually expanded to through—but eventually expanded to include foodinclude food

– They also extended the blockade to They also extended the blockade to neutral ports and mined the entire North neutral ports and mined the entire North SeaSea

– American ships could not reach Germany American ships could not reach Germany – 750,000 Germans died of starvation as a 750,000 Germans died of starvation as a

result of the blockaderesult of the blockade


Americans had been angry with the Americans had been angry with the blockade-until Germany reactedblockade-until Germany reacted

Germany responded with a counter Germany responded with a counter blockade by U-boats (submarines)blockade by U-boats (submarines)

Any British or Allied ship found in Any British or Allied ship found in the waters around Britain would be the waters around Britain would be sunk—and it was not always possible sunk—and it was not always possible to warn crews and passengers of an to warn crews and passengers of an attackattack


One of the worst disasters occurred on One of the worst disasters occurred on May 7, 1915 when a U-boat sank the May 7, 1915 when a U-boat sank the British liner Lusitania off the coast of British liner Lusitania off the coast of IrelandIreland

Of the 1198 persons lost, 128 were Of the 1198 persons lost, 128 were AmericansAmericans

Germany justified their actions by Germany justified their actions by stating the ship was carrying munitionsstating the ship was carrying munitions

American public opinion turned against American public opinion turned against Germany and the Central PowersGermany and the Central Powers

THE WAR HITS HOMETHE WAR HITS HOME Despite the disaster, Wilson ruled Despite the disaster, Wilson ruled

out a military response in favor of a out a military response in favor of a sharp protest against Germanysharp protest against Germany

Unrestricted Submarine Warfare Unrestricted Submarine Warfare continuedcontinued

Germany sank the Arabic (British Germany sank the Arabic (British liner) and two Americans were killedliner) and two Americans were killed

Again, the U.S. protested—Germany Again, the U.S. protested—Germany promised to stop sinking linerspromised to stop sinking liners

They broke their promise by sinking They broke their promise by sinking the Sussex (French liner) in March the Sussex (French liner) in March 1916—more American lives were lost1916—more American lives were lost


The U.S. warned it would cut off The U.S. warned it would cut off all diplomatic relations with all diplomatic relations with Germany if they did not cease Germany if they did not cease unrestricted submarine warfareunrestricted submarine warfare

They promised to do so if the They promised to do so if the U.S. would urge Britain to allow U.S. would urge Britain to allow food to reach the German coastfood to reach the German coast

1916 ELECTION1916 ELECTION

The Democrats re-nominated WilsonThe Democrats re-nominated Wilson Republicans nominated Supreme Republicans nominated Supreme

Court Justice Charles Evans HughesCourt Justice Charles Evans Hughes Wilson ran on the slogan “He Kept Wilson ran on the slogan “He Kept

Us Out of War”Us Out of War” Hughes pledged to uphold America’s Hughes pledged to uphold America’s

right to freedomright to freedom

1916 ELECTION1916 ELECTION

The election returns shifted from The election returns shifted from hour to hourhour to hour– Hughes went to bed believing he Hughes went to bed believing he

had wonhad won– When a reporter tried to reach him When a reporter tried to reach him

to inform him Wilson had won, an to inform him Wilson had won, an aide stated “the President cannot aide stated “the President cannot be disturbed.” “Well then,” replied be disturbed.” “Well then,” replied the reporter, “when he wakes up, the reporter, “when he wakes up, tell him he’s no longer president.”tell him he’s no longer president.”

GERMAN PROVOCATIONGERMAN PROVOCATION

The German’s ignored Wilson’s calls The German’s ignored Wilson’s calls for peacefor peace

Germany hoped to defeat Britain by Germany hoped to defeat Britain by using unrestricted sub warfareusing unrestricted sub warfare

On January 31-the Kaiser announced On January 31-the Kaiser announced that all ships-neutral or hostile-on that all ships-neutral or hostile-on sightsight

Again, the U.S. held back until “actual Again, the U.S. held back until “actual overt acts” of war were committedovert acts” of war were committed


The Overt Acts Came:The Overt Acts Came:– First, the Zimmermann note—a telegram First, the Zimmermann note—a telegram

from the German foreign minister to the from the German foreign minister to the German ambassador in Mexico that was German ambassador in Mexico that was intercepted by British agentsintercepted by British agents

– The telegram proposed an alliance The telegram proposed an alliance between Mexico and Germany and between Mexico and Germany and promised that if war with the U.S. broke promised that if war with the U.S. broke out, Germany would protect Mexico in out, Germany would protect Mexico in recovering lost territoryrecovering lost territory

– Next came the sinking of four unarmed Next came the sinking of four unarmed American merchant ships American merchant ships


– Finally, events in Russia removed the Finally, events in Russia removed the last significant obstacle to direct U.S. last significant obstacle to direct U.S. involvement in the warinvolvement in the war

– The Russian Monarchy was replaced The Russian Monarchy was replaced with a representative governmentwith a representative government

– Now supporters of American entry into Now supporters of American entry into the war could claim that this was a war the war could claim that this was a war of democracies against brutal of democracies against brutal monarchiesmonarchies

April, 1917—America declared war April, 1917—America declared war on Germanyon Germany

MOBILIZATIONMOBILIZATION

The U.S. was not prepared for The U.S. was not prepared for warwar

Only 200,000 men were in Only 200,000 men were in service and only a few officers service and only a few officers had combat experiencehad combat experience

Drastic measures were taken in Drastic measures were taken in order to prepare for a modern order to prepare for a modern war in Europewar in Europe


Congress passed the Selective Congress passed the Selective Service Act of 1917Service Act of 1917– This required men to register the This required men to register the

government in order to be randomly government in order to be randomly selected for military serviceselected for military service

By 1918, 24 million had signed upBy 1918, 24 million had signed up—about 3 million were sent—2 —about 3 million were sent—2 million before the truce was million before the truce was signed—3/4signed—3/4thth’s saw actual combat’s saw actual combat


About 400,000 African Americans About 400,000 African Americans served in the armed forcesserved in the armed forces

More than half of them in FranceMore than half of them in France African Americans served in African Americans served in

segregated units and were segregated units and were excluded from the anvy and excluded from the anvy and marinesmarines

Most were assigned to non-Most were assigned to non-combat duties—although there combat duties—although there were a few exceptionswere a few exceptions


The all-black 369The all-black 369thth Infantry saw Infantry saw more continuous duty on the more continuous duty on the front lines than any other front lines than any other American regimentAmerican regiment

Two soldiers of the 369Two soldiers of the 369thth, Henry , Henry Johnson and Needham Roberts, Johnson and Needham Roberts, were the first Americans to were the first Americans to receive France’s highest military receive France’s highest military honor, the “cross of war”honor, the “cross of war”

MOBILIZATIONMOBILIZATION Training:Training:

– 17 hour days in both Europe and the U.S.17 hour days in both Europe and the U.S.– Target practice, bayonet drill, kitchen duty, Target practice, bayonet drill, kitchen duty,

and cleaning up the grounds were all and cleaning up the grounds were all includedincluded

– Real weapons were in short supply, so fake Real weapons were in short supply, so fake ones were used in most practice drillsones were used in most practice drills

Rocks instead of grenades, or wooden poles Rocks instead of grenades, or wooden poles instead of riflesinstead of rifles

Women:Women:– Although not allowed to enlist, the army Although not allowed to enlist, the army

accepted women in the Corps of Nurses, but accepted women in the Corps of Nurses, but denied them army rank, pay and benefitsdenied them army rank, pay and benefits

– Some 13,000 women committed themselves Some 13,000 women committed themselves to serviceto service

MASS PRODUCTIONMASS PRODUCTION

In addition to the vast army, the In addition to the vast army, the U.S. had to find a way to transport U.S. had to find a way to transport all the supplies and men across the all the supplies and men across the oceanocean

This was made difficult by the This was made difficult by the submarine warfare by the Germanssubmarine warfare by the Germans

To solve this problem the To solve this problem the government took four crucial stepsgovernment took four crucial steps

MASS PRODUCTIONMASS PRODUCTION

FirstFirst– The government exempted many shipyard The government exempted many shipyard

workers from draft and gave others a workers from draft and gave others a “deferred” classification“deferred” classification

SecondSecond– The U.S. Chamber of Commerce joined in a The U.S. Chamber of Commerce joined in a

public relations campaign to emphasize the public relations campaign to emphasize the importance of shipyard workimportance of shipyard work

– They distributed service flags to families of They distributed service flags to families of shipyard workersshipyard workers

– They also urged automobile owners to give They also urged automobile owners to give shipyard employees rides to and from work shipyard employees rides to and from work since streetcars were so crowdedsince streetcars were so crowded

MASS PRODUCTIONMASS PRODUCTION ThirdThird

– Shipyards used fabrication techniques—Shipyards used fabrication techniques—instead of building an entire ship in the instead of building an entire ship in the yard, standardized parts were built yard, standardized parts were built elsewhere and then assembled at the elsewhere and then assembled at the yardyard

– This method reduced construction time This method reduced construction time drasticallydrastically

FourthFourth– The government took over commercial The government took over commercial

private ships and converted them for private ships and converted them for transatlantic war usetransatlantic war use

AMERICA TURNS THE AMERICA TURNS THE TIDETIDE

U-boats were a major threatU-boats were a major threat Vice Admiral William S. Sims Vice Admiral William S. Sims

convinced the British to use the convinced the British to use the Convoy System—a heavy guard Convoy System—a heavy guard of destroyers escorting merchant of destroyers escorting merchant ships across the ocean in groupsships across the ocean in groups

By fall of 1917, shipping losses By fall of 1917, shipping losses had been cut in halfhad been cut in half

AMERICA TURNS THE AMERICA TURNS THE TIDETIDE

The U.S. also helped to lay a 230-mile The U.S. also helped to lay a 230-mile barrier of mines across the North Sea barrier of mines across the North Sea from Scotland to Norwayfrom Scotland to Norway

The barrier was designed to bottle up The barrier was designed to bottle up the U-boatsthe U-boats

By early 1918, the Germans found it By early 1918, the Germans found it increasingly difficult to replace staff increasingly difficult to replace staff and submariners lost in this barrierand submariners lost in this barrier

Of the 2 million Americans sent to Of the 2 million Americans sent to Europe, only 637 were killed by U-boatsEurope, only 637 were killed by U-boats

FIGHTING IN EUROPEFIGHTING IN EUROPE

After 2 ½ years of fighting, the allies After 2 ½ years of fighting, the allies were tired and demoralizedwere tired and demoralized

Americans offered numbers and a Americans offered numbers and a freshness and enthusiasmfreshness and enthusiasm

The AEF (American Expeditionary The AEF (American Expeditionary Force) led by General John J. Pershing, Force) led by General John J. Pershing, led the forces in Europeled the forces in Europe

They were nicknamed “doughboys” They were nicknamed “doughboys” because of the white belts they wore—because of the white belts they wore—which they cleaned with pipe clay, or which they cleaned with pipe clay, or “dough”“dough”

NEW WEAPONSNEW WEAPONS

The new weapons of the Great War The new weapons of the Great War changed the nature of warfarechanged the nature of warfare

The two most innovative weapons were The two most innovative weapons were the tank and the airplanethe tank and the airplane– Together they heralded mechanized warfare—Together they heralded mechanized warfare—

warfare that relies on gas powered machineswarfare that relies on gas powered machines Tanks were first used the 1916 at the Tanks were first used the 1916 at the

Battle of the Somme (not very effectively)Battle of the Somme (not very effectively) By 1917, they knew how to plow through By 1917, they knew how to plow through

barbed wire to clear paths for infantrybarbed wire to clear paths for infantry


Airplanes were first used to scoutAirplanes were first used to scout Eventually, tanks were shooting down planesEventually, tanks were shooting down planes Early dogfights were fought by pilots with Early dogfights were fought by pilots with

pistols—firing at one another as they flew bypistols—firing at one another as they flew by Eventually planes began carrying mounted Eventually planes began carrying mounted

machine guns due to the difficulty of flying machine guns due to the difficulty of flying and shootingand shooting

The blades of the propeller kept getting in the The blades of the propeller kept getting in the way of the bullets—the Germans introduced a way of the bullets—the Germans introduced a interrupter gear that permitted the stream of interrupter gear that permitted the stream of bullets to avoid the whirring bladesbullets to avoid the whirring blades


By 1918, airplanes were being By 1918, airplanes were being built stronger and fasterbuilt stronger and faster

The British had built up a The British had built up a strategic bomber force of 22,000 strategic bomber force of 22,000 planes to attack the Germansplanes to attack the Germans

Observation balloons were used Observation balloons were used extensively by both sides—they extensively by both sides—they were protected by aircraft flying were protected by aircraft flying closeclose


New/Improved Technology:New/Improved Technology:– Machine Guns—firepower increased to Machine Guns—firepower increased to

600 rounds per minute600 rounds per minute– Airships/Airplanes—mounted with Airships/Airplanes—mounted with

machine guns for “dogfights”, and both machine guns for “dogfights”, and both zeppelins and planes carried bombszeppelins and planes carried bombs

– Antiaircraft Gun—the name says it allAntiaircraft Gun—the name says it all– Poison Gas—a yellow-green chlorine fog Poison Gas—a yellow-green chlorine fog

sickened, suffocated, burned, and blinded sickened, suffocated, burned, and blinded its victims—gas masks became standard its victims—gas masks became standard useuse

– Tanks—used to “mow down” barbed wire Tanks—used to “mow down” barbed wire and soldiersand soldiers

NEW PROBLEMSNEW PROBLEMS

With the new weapons and warfare With the new weapons and warfare came new injuriescame new injuries

Trench foot, caused by standing in cold Trench foot, caused by standing in cold wet trenches for long periods of time wet trenches for long periods of time without changing into dry socks or without changing into dry socks or bootsboots

Amputation was generally the only Amputation was generally the only optionoption

A painful infection of the gums and A painful infection of the gums and throat called trench mouth was also throat called trench mouth was also commoncommon

Trench FootTrench Foot

ON THE OFFENSIVEON THE OFFENSIVE

Russia pulled out in 1917 and Russia pulled out in 1917 and Germany moved its army from the Germany moved its army from the East to the WestEast to the West

They were within 50 miles of Paris They were within 50 miles of Paris when the Americans arrived just in when the Americans arrived just in time to stop the Germans at Cantigny, time to stop the Germans at Cantigny, FranceFrance

The U.S. helped push the Germans The U.S. helped push the Germans back and helped in their defeat at the back and helped in their defeat at the Second Battle of the MarneSecond Battle of the Marne

The Tide had turned against the The Tide had turned against the Central PowersCentral Powers

THE COLLAPSE OF THE COLLAPSE OF GERMANYGERMANY

November 3, 1918—Austria-Hungary November 3, 1918—Austria-Hungary surrendered to the Alliessurrendered to the Allies

That same day, German sailors mutinied That same day, German sailors mutinied against government authority—the mutiny against government authority—the mutiny spread quicklyspread quickly

November 9—socialist leaders in the November 9—socialist leaders in the capital, Berlin, established a German capital, Berlin, established a German republic—the Kaiser gave up the thronerepublic—the Kaiser gave up the throne

Although the allies never set foot on Although the allies never set foot on German soil, the Germans were too German soil, the Germans were too exhausted to continueexhausted to continue

At the eleventh hour on the eleventh day of At the eleventh hour on the eleventh day of the eleventh month (11:00am, November the eleventh month (11:00am, November 11, 1918) the Germans agreed to a cease-11, 1918) the Germans agreed to a cease-fire and signed an armisticefire and signed an armistice

THE FINAL TOLLTHE FINAL TOLL

World War 1 was the bloodiest war in World War 1 was the bloodiest war in history to that timehistory to that time

Deaths numbered 22 million, more than Deaths numbered 22 million, more than half of them civilianshalf of them civilians

20 million were wounded, and 10 million 20 million were wounded, and 10 million became refugeesbecame refugees

Direct economic costs may have been Direct economic costs may have been about $338 billionabout $338 billion

The U.S. lost 48,000 men in battle, and The U.S. lost 48,000 men in battle, and 62,000 from disease62,000 from disease

More than 200,000 were woundedMore than 200,000 were wounded

THE WAR AT HOMETHE WAR AT HOME

Winning the war was not just up to Winning the war was not just up to the soldiers, but also the politiciansthe soldiers, but also the politicians

Because WW1 was such an immense Because WW1 was such an immense conflict, the entire economy had to conflict, the entire economy had to be refocused on the war effortbe refocused on the war effort

Congress gave Wilson direct control Congress gave Wilson direct control over much of the economy, including over much of the economy, including the power to fix prices and to the power to fix prices and to regulate—even to nationalize—regulate—even to nationalize—certain war-related industriescertain war-related industries


The main regulatory body was the The main regulatory body was the War Industries Board (WIB)War Industries Board (WIB)

Established in 1917 and Established in 1917 and reorganized in 1918 under the reorganized in 1918 under the leadership of Bernard M. Baruchleadership of Bernard M. Baruch

The board encouraged companies The board encouraged companies to use mass-production to use mass-production techniquestechniques

They also urged eliminating waste They also urged eliminating waste by standardizing productsby standardizing products


Under the WIB, industrial Under the WIB, industrial production increased by about 20%production increased by about 20%

However, the WIB applied price However, the WIB applied price controls only at the wholesale levelcontrols only at the wholesale level

As a result, retail prices soared and As a result, retail prices soared and by 1918 they were almost double by 1918 they were almost double what they had beenwhat they had been

Corporate profits soared as wellCorporate profits soared as well

THE WAR AT HOMETHE WAR AT HOME The Railroad administration controlled The Railroad administration controlled

the railroads and the Fuel the railroads and the Fuel Administration monitored coal supplies Administration monitored coal supplies and rationed gasoline and heating oiland rationed gasoline and heating oil

Many people adopted “gasless Sundays” Many people adopted “gasless Sundays” and “lightless nights” to conserve fueland “lightless nights” to conserve fuel

In March 1918, the Fuel Administration In March 1918, the Fuel Administration introduced another conservation introduced another conservation measure: daylight-saving time, which measure: daylight-saving time, which had first been proposed by Ben Franklin had first been proposed by Ben Franklin in the 1770’s as a way of taking in the 1770’s as a way of taking advantage of the long summer daysadvantage of the long summer days


Wages during the war rose by 20%Wages during the war rose by 20% A household’s income, however, was A household’s income, however, was

largely undercut by rising food largely undercut by rising food prices and housing costsprices and housing costs

By contrast, stockholders in large By contrast, stockholders in large corporations saw enormous profitcorporations saw enormous profit

The DuPont Company saw its stock The DuPont Company saw its stock multiply in value 1600%multiply in value 1600%

Unions also boomed because of the Unions also boomed because of the uneven pay between labor and uneven pay between labor and managementmanagement


To deal with the disputes, Wilson To deal with the disputes, Wilson established the National War established the National War Labor Board in 1918Labor Board in 1918

Workers who refused to obey Workers who refused to obey board decisions could lose their board decisions could lose their draft exemptions draft exemptions

““Work or Fight” the board told Work or Fight” the board told themthem

The board also worked to improve The board also worked to improve labor conditionslabor conditions


Food AdministrationFood Administration– To help reduce and conserve food, Wilson set To help reduce and conserve food, Wilson set

up the Food Administration under Herbert up the Food Administration under Herbert HooverHoover

– Instead of rationing food, he called on people Instead of rationing food, he called on people to follow the “gospel of the clean plate”to follow the “gospel of the clean plate”

– He declared “meatless”, “sweetless”, He declared “meatless”, “sweetless”, “wheatless” and “porkless” days to help “wheatless” and “porkless” days to help conserveconserve

– Restaurants removed sugar bowls from Restaurants removed sugar bowls from tables and served bread only after the first tables and served bread only after the first coursecourse

THE WAR AT HOMETHE WAR AT HOME Taxes supplied most of the war Taxes supplied most of the war

financefinance A progressive income tax, a war A progressive income tax, a war

profits tax, and higher excise taxes profits tax, and higher excise taxes on tobacco, liquor, and luxury goods on tobacco, liquor, and luxury goods were issuedwere issued

The rest was raised through “Liberty The rest was raised through “Liberty Loans” and “Victory Loans”Loans” and “Victory Loans”

““only a friend of Germany” would only a friend of Germany” would refuse to buy bondsrefuse to buy bonds

THE WAR AT HOMETHE WAR AT HOME To popularize the war, the government To popularize the war, the government

set up the nation's first propaganda set up the nation's first propaganda agency, the Committee on Public agency, the Committee on Public Information (CPI)Information (CPI)

The head of the CPI was a former The head of the CPI was a former muckraking journalist name George Creedmuckraking journalist name George Creed

Thousands of paintings, posters, Thousands of paintings, posters, cartoons, and sculptures promoting the cartoons, and sculptures promoting the war were createdwar were created

Creed recruited 75,000 “four-minute Creed recruited 75,000 “four-minute men” to speak about anything and men” to speak about anything and everything about the wareverything about the war


Although the campaign worked, it also Although the campaign worked, it also inflamed hatred and violations of the inflamed hatred and violations of the civil liberties of certain ethnic groupscivil liberties of certain ethnic groups

Anti-Immigrant Hysteria came about Anti-Immigrant Hysteria came about due to the overwhelming fears due to the overwhelming fears Americans had about Germans invadingAmericans had about Germans invading

Many Americans with German names Many Americans with German names lost their jobslost their jobs

Orchestras refused to play Mozart, Orchestras refused to play Mozart, Bach, Beethoven, and BrahmsBach, Beethoven, and Brahms


Some towns with German names Some towns with German names changed themchanged them

Schools stopped teaching the Schools stopped teaching the German language and librarians German language and librarians removed books by German authors removed books by German authors from the shelvesfrom the shelves

People even resorted to violence People even resorted to violence against German Americans, flogging against German Americans, flogging them or smearing them with tar and them or smearing them with tar and feathersfeathers


German measles were changed German measles were changed to “Liberty Measles”to “Liberty Measles”

““Salisbury steak” was changed Salisbury steak” was changed to “liberty sandwich”to “liberty sandwich”

Sauerkraut was renamed “liberty Sauerkraut was renamed “liberty cabbage” and dachshunds cabbage” and dachshunds turned into “liberty pups”turned into “liberty pups”


Espionage and Sedition ActsEspionage and Sedition Acts– June 1917: Congress passed the June 1917: Congress passed the

Espionage Act and May 1918 it passed Espionage Act and May 1918 it passed the Sedition Actthe Sedition Act

– Under these Acts, a person could be fined Under these Acts, a person could be fined up to $10,000 and sentenced to 20 years up to $10,000 and sentenced to 20 years in jail for interfering with the war effort in jail for interfering with the war effort or for saying anything disloyal, profane, or for saying anything disloyal, profane, or abusive about the government or war or abusive about the government or war efforteffort

This act led to the prosecutions for This act led to the prosecutions for over 2000 people—half of which over 2000 people—half of which resulted in convictionsresulted in convictions

THE WAR AT HOMETHE WAR AT HOME The House of Representatives refused The House of Representatives refused

to seat Victor Berger, a socialist to seat Victor Berger, a socialist congressman from Wisconsin, congressman from Wisconsin, because of his antiwar viewsbecause of his antiwar views

Columbia University fired a Columbia University fired a distinguished psychologist because distinguished psychologist because he opposed the war efforthe opposed the war effort– A colleague who supported the war A colleague who supported the war

resigned in protestresigned in protest– ““If we have to support everything we If we have to support everything we

don’t like, then this country is resting on don’t like, then this country is resting on a pretty wobbly basis”a pretty wobbly basis”


These Acts targeted socialists and labor These Acts targeted socialists and labor leadersleaders

Eugene V. Debs was given a 10 year Eugene V. Debs was given a 10 year sentence for speaking out against the warsentence for speaking out against the war

Anarchist, Emma Goldman, received a Anarchist, Emma Goldman, received a two-year sentence and a $10,000 fine for two-year sentence and a $10,000 fine for organizing the No Conscription Leagueorganizing the No Conscription League

When she was released she was deported When she was released she was deported back to Russiaback to Russia

““Big Bill” Haywood and others of the IWW Big Bill” Haywood and others of the IWW were accused of sabotaging the war effortwere accused of sabotaging the war effort


The IWW eventually faded under the The IWW eventually faded under the pressure by these Actspressure by these Acts

African Americans:African Americans:– Black public opinion was dividedBlack public opinion was divided– W.E.B. Du Bois believed blacks should W.E.B. Du Bois believed blacks should

support the war effortsupport the war effort– Du Bois believed that supporting the war Du Bois believed that supporting the war

would strengthen calls for racial justicewould strengthen calls for racial justice– William Monroe Trotter, founder of the William Monroe Trotter, founder of the

Boston Guardian, believed victims of Boston Guardian, believed victims of racism should not support a racist racism should not support a racist governmentgovernment


The war accelerated the Great The war accelerated the Great Migration—the large scale movement Migration—the large scale movement of blacks to Northern citiesof blacks to Northern cities

Several factors contributed to this Several factors contributed to this great multitude of people movinggreat multitude of people moving– First, many sought to escape First, many sought to escape

discriminationdiscrimination– Second, manufacturers needed the Second, manufacturers needed the

laborerslaborers– Finally, newspapers bombarded Southern Finally, newspapers bombarded Southern

blacks with articles contrasting Dixieland blacks with articles contrasting Dixieland lynchings with the prosperity of Blacks in lynchings with the prosperity of Blacks in the Norththe North


While men were fighting and Blacks While men were fighting and Blacks began new lives, women moved into jobs began new lives, women moved into jobs that had been held exclusively by menthat had been held exclusively by men

They became railroad workers, cooks, They became railroad workers, cooks, dockworkers, and bricklayersdockworkers, and bricklayers

They mined coal and took part in They mined coal and took part in shipbuildingshipbuilding

Support for women’s suffrage rose Support for women’s suffrage rose greatly during this period—this aided the greatly during this period—this aided the passage of the 19passage of the 19thth amendment in 1920 amendment in 1920


The Flu Epidemic:The Flu Epidemic:– In the fall of 1918, the U.S. suffered a In the fall of 1918, the U.S. suffered a

home-front crisis when an international home-front crisis when an international flu epidemic affected about ¼ of the flu epidemic affected about ¼ of the populationpopulation

– The economy was devastatedThe economy was devastated– Mines shut down, telephone service was Mines shut down, telephone service was

cut in half, and factories and offices cut in half, and factories and offices staggered working hoursstaggered working hours

– Cities ran short on coffins—corpses of Cities ran short on coffins—corpses of poor people lay unburied for at least a poor people lay unburied for at least a weekweek


In the army, the disease spread In the army, the disease spread quickly killing more than a quarter quickly killing more than a quarter of those who caught the diseaseof those who caught the disease

Doctors did not know what to do Doctors did not know what to do except tell people to stay clean except tell people to stay clean and quarantine themselvesand quarantine themselves

The disease was spread around The disease was spread around the world by soldiers—more the world by soldiers—more Germans died than any of the Germans died than any of the Allied countriesAllied countries


The war and the epidemic ended The war and the epidemic ended quickly, but now the daunting task quickly, but now the daunting task of peace lay before the worldof peace lay before the world

Americans hoped that this “war to Americans hoped that this “war to end all wars” would do just thatend all wars” would do just that

Leaders of the victorious nations Leaders of the victorious nations gathered in Versailles to work out gathered in Versailles to work out the terms for peacethe terms for peace

Wilson Fights for PeaceWilson Fights for Peace

Wilson arrived in Europe with a Wilson arrived in Europe with a hero’s welcomehero’s welcome– Italians displayed pictures of him in their Italians displayed pictures of him in their

windowswindows– Parisian strewed the street with flowersParisian strewed the street with flowers– Representative from different ethnic Representative from different ethnic

groups ~ Armenians, Jews, Ukrainians, groups ~ Armenians, Jews, Ukrainians, and Poles appealed to him for help in and Poles appealed to him for help in setting up independent nations for setting up independent nations for themselvesthemselves

Fourteen PointsFourteen Points Wilson’s plan for world peaceWilson’s plan for world peace January 18, 1918 ~ presented to Congress his January 18, 1918 ~ presented to Congress his

Fourteen Points speech which were divided into Fourteen Points speech which were divided into 3 groups3 groups

First 5 were issues that needed to be addressed First 5 were issues that needed to be addressed to prevent another warto prevent another war– No secret treaties among nationsNo secret treaties among nations– Freedom of the seas for allFreedom of the seas for all– Tariffs and economic barriers should be lowered or Tariffs and economic barriers should be lowered or

abolished to foster free tradeabolished to foster free trade– Arms reduction to lowest point consistent with Arms reduction to lowest point consistent with

domestic safetydomestic safety– Colonial policies should consider the interests of the Colonial policies should consider the interests of the

colonial peoples as well as the imperialist powerscolonial peoples as well as the imperialist powers

Fourteen PointsFourteen Points

Next 8 points dealt with boundary changesNext 8 points dealt with boundary changes Based the provisions on the principle of Based the provisions on the principle of

self-determination “along historically self-determination “along historically established lines of nationality”established lines of nationality”

1414thth point ~ an international organization point ~ an international organization to address diplomatic crises like those that to address diplomatic crises like those that had sparked the war ~ League of Nations had sparked the war ~ League of Nations ~ would provide a forum for nations to ~ would provide a forum for nations to discuss and settle their grievances with discuss and settle their grievances with have to resort to warhave to resort to war

Allies Reject Wilson’s PlanAllies Reject Wilson’s Plan

Wilson was naïve in thinking the Allies Wilson was naïve in thinking the Allies would agree to his planwould agree to his plan

Allies were angry Allies were angry Georges Clemenceau Georges Clemenceau

– French premier French premier – Had lived through 2 German invasionsHad lived through 2 German invasions– Wanted to prevent future invasionsWanted to prevent future invasions

David Lloyd GeorgeDavid Lloyd George– British prime ministerBritish prime minister– Won reelection with the slogan “Make Won reelection with the slogan “Make

Germany Pay”Germany Pay”

Allies Reject Wilson’s PlanAllies Reject Wilson’s Plan

Vittorio Orlando Vittorio Orlando – Italian prime ministerItalian prime minister– Wanted control of Austrian-held territoryWanted control of Austrian-held territory

Peace conference did not include Peace conference did not include – the defeated Central Powersthe defeated Central Powers– Russia (now a communist country)Russia (now a communist country)– Smaller Allied nationsSmaller Allied nations

The Big Four The Big Four – Wilson, Clemenceau, George, and Orlando Wilson, Clemenceau, George, and Orlando – Worked out the treaty detail among themselvesWorked out the treaty detail among themselves– Wilson conceded on all points except the LeagueWilson conceded on all points except the League

Debating the Treaty of Debating the Treaty of VersaillesVersailles

June 18, 1918 June 18, 1918 – The Big Four and the leaders of the The Big Four and the leaders of the

defeated nations gathered in the Hall of defeated nations gathered in the Hall of Mirrors of the Palace of Versailles to sign Mirrors of the Palace of Versailles to sign the treatythe treaty

– Everyone hoped the treaty would create Everyone hoped the treaty would create stability for a rebuilt Europestability for a rebuilt Europe

Provisions of the TreatyProvisions of the Treaty Established 9 new nations including Poland, Established 9 new nations including Poland,

Czechoslovakia, and YugoslaviaCzechoslovakia, and Yugoslavia Shifted boundaries of other nationsShifted boundaries of other nations Carved up the Ottoman Empire into 5 areas Carved up the Ottoman Empire into 5 areas

called mandates and placed France and called mandates and placed France and Great Britain in chargeGreat Britain in charge

They were to control them until they were They were to control them until they were ready for self-ruleready for self-rule

Germany Germany – Was barred from maintaining an armyWas barred from maintaining an army– Had to return Alsace-Lorraine to FranceHad to return Alsace-Lorraine to France– Had to pay reparations ~ war damages ($33 Had to pay reparations ~ war damages ($33

billion) to Alliesbillion) to Allies

Weaknesses of the TreatyWeaknesses of the Treaty Treatment of Germany weakened the treaty Treatment of Germany weakened the treaty

so that it could not provide lasting peace in so that it could not provide lasting peace in EuropeEurope

WeaknessesWeaknesses– It humiliated Germany by containing a war-guilt It humiliated Germany by containing a war-guilt

clause clause – It forced Germany to admit sole responsibility It forced Germany to admit sole responsibility

for starting WWIfor starting WWI– German militarism did play a part in igniting German militarism did play a part in igniting

the war, but other nations caused diplomatic the war, but other nations caused diplomatic crises before the warcrises before the war

– Germany could not pay the huge reparationsGermany could not pay the huge reparations– Germany was stripped of its colonial Germany was stripped of its colonial

possessions in the Pacific possessions in the Pacific

Weaknesses of the TreatyWeaknesses of the Treaty

• Russia who for 3 years had fought on the Russia who for 3 years had fought on the side of the Allies, lost more territory than side of the Allies, lost more territory than Germany, because they were not included in Germany, because they were not included in the negotiations (had higher casualty rates the negotiations (had higher casualty rates than any other nation)than any other nation)

Russia which became known as the USSR Russia which became known as the USSR (Union of Soviet Socialist Republics after (Union of Soviet Socialist Republics after 1922) wanted its territory back1922) wanted its territory back

Ignored claims of colonized people for self-Ignored claims of colonized people for self-determinationdetermination

Opposition to the TreatyOpposition to the Treaty

• Wilson faced strong opposition to the treaty Wilson faced strong opposition to the treaty when he returned to the U.S.when he returned to the U.S.

• Some people including Herbert Hoover felt it Some people including Herbert Hoover felt it was too harshwas too harsh

• Other felt it was too imperialistic because Other felt it was too imperialistic because colonies were not given their freedom or colonies were not given their freedom or other countries were carved up into other countries were carved up into mandatesmandates

• Ethnic groups did not like the treaty because Ethnic groups did not like the treaty because the new national boundaries did not satisfy the new national boundaries did not satisfy their demands of self-determinationtheir demands of self-determination

Debate of the League of Debate of the League of NationsNations

• Main domestic issue ~ the League of NationsMain domestic issue ~ the League of Nations• A few opponents believed the League A few opponents believed the League

threatened the U.S. foreign policy of threatened the U.S. foreign policy of isolationismisolationism

• Conservative senators, headed by Henry Conservative senators, headed by Henry Cabot Lodge, were suspicious of the Cabot Lodge, were suspicious of the provision for joint economic and military provision for joint economic and military action against aggression even though it was action against aggression even though it was voluntaryvoluntary

• Wanted the constitutional right of Congress Wanted the constitutional right of Congress to declare war included in the treatyto declare war included in the treaty

Wilson Refuses to Wilson Refuses to CompromiseCompromise

• Wilson ignored the Republican majority when Wilson ignored the Republican majority when he chose members of the American delegationhe chose members of the American delegation

• If he would have compromised on the League, If he would have compromised on the League, the Senate might have approved the treatythe Senate might have approved the treaty

• September 1918 ~ Wilson went on an 8,000 September 1918 ~ Wilson went on an 8,000 mile tour to promoted the treatymile tour to promoted the treaty

• He delivered 34 speeches in 3 weeks He delivered 34 speeches in 3 weeks explaining why the U.S. should join the League explaining why the U.S. should join the League of Nationsof Nations

• On October 2, 1918, Wilson had a stroke and On October 2, 1918, Wilson had a stroke and lay partially paralyzed for more than 2 monthslay partially paralyzed for more than 2 months

• Was unable to meet with his cabinetWas unable to meet with his cabinet


• Treaty came to a vote in the Senate in Treaty came to a vote in the Senate in November 1918 November 1918

• Senator Lodge introduced numerous Senator Lodge introduced numerous amendments including one that qualified how amendments including one that qualified how the U.S. would enter the League of nationsthe U.S. would enter the League of nations

• Many feared that U.S. membership in the Many feared that U.S. membership in the League would force the U.S. to form its foreign League would force the U.S. to form its foreign policy in accord with the Leaguepolicy in accord with the League

• The Senate not only rejected the amendment The Senate not only rejected the amendment but the treaty itselfbut the treaty itself

• Wilson refused to compromiseWilson refused to compromise• Treaty came up again for a vote in March Treaty came up again for a vote in March

1920 and again it was rejected1920 and again it was rejected


• 1922 ~ U.S. signed a separate treaty with 1922 ~ U.S. signed a separate treaty with Germany after Wilson was no longer Germany after Wilson was no longer presidentpresident

• U.S. never joined the League of Nations U.S. never joined the League of Nations • It did maintain an unofficial observer position It did maintain an unofficial observer position

at League meetingsat League meetings

Domestic Consequences of Domestic Consequences of WWIWWI

• Accelerated America’s emergence as the Accelerated America’s emergence as the world’s greatest industrial powerworld’s greatest industrial power

• Contributed to the movement of African Contributed to the movement of African Americans to Northern citiesAmericans to Northern cities

• Intensified anti-immigrant and anti-racial Intensified anti-immigrant and anti-racial sentiments among mainstream Americanssentiments among mainstream Americans

• Brought over one million women into the Brought over one million women into the workforceworkforce

The Legacy of the WarThe Legacy of the War

• With the end of WWI, many Americans With the end of WWI, many Americans wanted a return to what Warren G. Harding wanted a return to what Warren G. Harding called “normalcy”called “normalcy”

• Both the U.S. and the rest of the world had Both the U.S. and the rest of the world had been transformed by the warbeen transformed by the war

• WWI strengthened the U.S. military and the WWI strengthened the U.S. military and the power of the governmentpower of the government

• Accelerated social change for African Accelerated social change for African Americans and womenAmericans and women

• Propaganda campaign provoked powerful Propaganda campaign provoked powerful fearsfears


• In Europe the destruction of massive loss of In Europe the destruction of massive loss of life severely damage social and political life severely damage social and political systemssystems

• Political instability and violence persisted for Political instability and violence persisted for decades in many countriesdecades in many countries

• Russia became the first communist stateRussia became the first communist state• Militant fascist organization seized Italy, Militant fascist organization seized Italy,

Spain, and GermanySpain, and Germany• Americans called WWI ~ “the war to end all Americans called WWI ~ “the war to end all

wars”wars”

The Legacy of the WarThe Legacy of the War• Unresolved issues in Europe would Unresolved issues in Europe would

eventually lead America into a bigger wareventually lead America into a bigger war• Treaty of Versailles settled nothingTreaty of Versailles settled nothing• Some Europeans wanted to resume the fight Some Europeans wanted to resume the fight

including an Austrian WWI veteran named including an Austrian WWI veteran named Adolf HitlerAdolf Hitler

• ““It cannot be that two million [Germans] It cannot be that two million [Germans] should have fallen in vain . . . No, we do not should have fallen in vain . . . No, we do not pardon, we demand – vengeance!”pardon, we demand – vengeance!”

• Two decades later, Hitler’s desire for Two decades later, Hitler’s desire for vengeance will put the U.S. & Europe into an vengeance will put the U.S. & Europe into an even greater wareven greater war

world war i

Documents

world war iwar

germanythe great war

european powers

franceafter germany

goodsas germany

trench complexes

linesupportreserveeach

larger nations