1. America’s entry into WWI and the Treaty that ends the war.

2. What pulled America into the War
In the beginning the United States wanted to remain neutral.
The war was happening in Europe.
Woodrow Wilson was re-elected in 1916
On the slogan “He kept us out of the war”
1. Unlimited Submarine (u-boat) warfare by the Germans
2. The sinking of the Lusitania
3. Sussex Pledge is broken
4. The Zimmerman Telegram

3. Unlimited Submarine (u-boat) warfare
According to international law civilian ships must be warned before sinking – allowing for passengers to escape to safety.
Germany was not doing this!

4. The Sinking of the Lusitania
British passenger liner that set sail from New York carrying American citizens.
It was sunk without warning on May 7, 1915 off the coast of Ireland
1,198 lost; 128 US citizens
Germans claimed the Lusitania was carrying contraband (war materials: guns, ammunition…)

5. RESULT of the Sinking of the Lusitania
Germany despite promises sunk another ship – The Sussex, killing 2 Americans
President Wilson protested & Germany issued the Sussex Pledge – not “to sink merchant or passenger ships without warning and without saving human lives”
The Sussex Pledge broken: February 1, 1917 Germany continued unlimited submarine warfare

6. Zimmerman Telegram April 6, 1917 Congress declares war!!
March 1917 The Zimmermann telegram released
If the U.S. entered War against Central Powers, Mexico should attack the U.S. and receive as a reward: Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona.
April 6, 1917 Congress declares war!!

7. American Stats from the War
24,000,000 men registered for the draft by the end of 1918.
4,800,000 men served in WW1 (2,000,000 saw active combat).
400,000 African-Americans served in segregated units.
15,000 Native-Americans served as scouts, messengers, and snipers in non-segregated units.

8. World War 1 officially ended at 11 am on November 11th, 1918
How the War ended?
US needed in France after Russia pulls out of war
Played key role in stopping German invasion of France
Second Battle of the Marne marked the point of German withdrawal from France (1918)
Germany wanted to surrender in October 1918, with a peace based on The 14 Points.
World War 1 officially ended at 11 am on November 11th, 1918

9. Wilson’s Fourteen Points
Made Wilson the moral leader of the allied cause
Goal was to keep Russia in war and boost morale of troops.
Key ideas : abolish secret treaties, freedom of the seas, free trade, reduction of armaments, readjustment of colonial claims, self-determination
14th Point: Creation of League of Nations
Not everyone supported this idea
The prospect of endless American troops was key.

10. Changes on the Home Front
Britain and France bought products in great amounts.
American bankers gave private loans to Allies.
Council of National Defense Created
Unemployment virtually disappeared.
Expansion of “big government.”
Excessive govt. regulations in eco.
Some gross mismanagement --> overlapping jurisdictions.
Close cooperation between public and private sectors.
Unprecedented opportunities for disadvantaged groups.

11. The Treaty of Versailles
Big Four in Paris—US, Britain, Italy and France
Compromises: The losers colonial holdings would be controlled by the League of Nations, the League would be included in the treaty
Had to work out compromises with France, Italy and Japan over colonized land.
Germany forced to accept a peace they did not participate in—only about 4 of 23 principles of 14 Points in final treaty.
Treaty punished Germany harshly!

12. Details of the Treaties
* Guilt for starting War
Germany *
Austria
Hungary
Turkey
Bulgaria
Reparations
Pay for damages = $961 million
Pay for damages but went bankrupt
Pay for damages but amount unknown
Pay for damages = $150 million
Military
Army -reduced to 100,000 men and not tanks.
Navy- 6 ships, no subs.
Airforce- None
Army- Reduced to 30,000 men.
Army- Reduced to 35,000 men.
Restrictions made but unknown.
Land
Lost land and colonies
Lost land to Italy, Czech., and Serbia
Reduce size from 283,000 to 93,000
Lost land to Greece,
Lost land to Greece, Romania, Yugoslavia

13. Key legacies of the war and the peace
Liberated many minority peoples—ex. Poles.
Weakened League meant world was unable to deal with tensions after WWI WWII
US hurt itself by remaining isolationist when it needed to take global responsibility.
We are therefore, somewhat to blame for the problems between the wars that led to WWII