World War I America Enters the Great War

The U.S. began World War I as a “neutral” nation We were considered to be isolationist

Stalemate By September 1914, a stalemate existed in Europe. Both sides had met in battle but no clear winner emerged. Trenches were dug.

Reasons for U.S. entry Unrestricted U-boat warfare by Germany violated freedom of the seas

Reasons for U.S. entry The “Zimmerman Note” – secret telegram sent to Mexico from Germany (intercepted by Britain) Promised Texas, Arizona, and New Mexico to Mexico if they attacked the U.S. and kept us out of Europe.

Reasons for U.S. entry Money – WAR BOOSTS AN ECONOMY Lend-Lease program with Britain and France.

America Formally Enters the War America finally joined the allies –Britain, France, Italy (who joined in 1915), Russia. –April 16, 1917 President Wilson received a declaration of war from Congress.

The military grows With the onset of war, the military increased: Selective Service Act: –Men 21 to 30 sign up for draft. –3 million drafted –2 million volunteered –375,000 blacks, but the troops were segregated. –Women served as support personnel.

American Expeditionary Forces General John J. Pershing led the troops. Lafayette, we are here…. Would not allow troops split up.

Industry does its part War Industries Board –regulated supply of raw materials and delivery of finished products. Iron and steel for tanks Textile industry for uniforms instead of clothing. Industrial output increased by 20%!

“Labor will win the war” War Labor Board settled labor disputes to avoid strikes. –Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) protested the war. Women took jobs left by men in the military. Southern blacks moved west and north for jobs.

Conservation for the war effort Food Administration headed by Herbert Hoover. Wheatless Mondays and Wednesdays Meatless Tuesdays Porkless Thursdays and Saturdays. Victory Gardens.

“Fuel will win the war” Americans were encouraged to conserve energy: –greater coal production along with conservation. –Daylight saving time established. –Heatless Mondays –Lightless Nights –Gasless Sundays

Limitations to Freedom Trading with the Enemy Act –Postmaster censored publications exchanged with other countries. Sedition Act –Controversial speech forbidden. –Eugene Debs imprisoned. Espionage Act –Included helping the enemy, hindering recruitment or inciting revolt.

Financing the War Taxes paid for 1/3 of the war. –War cost $44 Million per day. Liberty Bonds were sold to make up the rest. –The goal was exceeded and 21 million people bought bonds

Support for the War Committee on Public Information formed –To build public support for the war. –Created propaganda posters. – Star Spangled Banner began to be played at public gatherings. –Changes to our language….

Language changes Schools stopped teaching German “German” words became “liberty” –German measles became liberty measles –sauerkraut became liberty cabbage.

The end is near for Russia In 1917, Communists led a revolution in Russia. Bolshevik Revolution Czar deposed Russia sued for peace with Germany The allies lost an entire front This event helped spur America to action.

The “League of Nations” Woodrow Wilson wanted to create a League of Nations Congress shot it down because of a clause which stated each country would defend each other’s territory against aggression

The War ends Treaty signed 11/11/18 at 11:00 am “the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month”

Treaty of Versailles Established nine new nations including Poland and Czechoslovakia Five areas from the ottoman Empire and gave them to France and Great Britain as Mandates Barred Germany from Maintaining an army Germany had to pay reparations of $33 Billion dollars –War Guilt Clause

Death Toll of War Allied Powers Central Powers 42 million served 23 million served 22 million casualties 15 million casualties