The Great War 1914-1918

Outbreak of WWI A world of “isms” Militarism Nationalism Imperialism The belief that a nation needs a large military force Nationalism The feeling of pride, loyalty, and protectiveness of one’s country Imperialism The policy by which stronger nations extend their economic, political, or military control over a weaker nation. Isolationism Avoiding involvement in other countries affairs Alliances Agreement between countries

Immediate cause of the outbreak of WWI Outbreak of War Immediate cause of the outbreak of WWI Assassination Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife were murdered in Sarajevo June 28, 1914 Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia; soon after other European countries were following (because of alliances)—leading to the outbreak of WWI

World War I Opponents Allies Central Powers Great Britain France Russia Serbia Belgium United States Germany Austria-Hungary Bulgaria Ottoman Empire

Reasons for U.S. involvement in War Inability to remain neutral Sinking of American merchant ships Alliance with Great Britain German submarine warfare German u-boats torpedoed several merchant ships without warning—unrestricted warfare. Sinking of the Lusitania Germany torpedoed the British passenger ship killing 1,198 people including 128 Americans U.S. economic and political ties to Great Britain The Zimmerman Telegram

World War I: The United States enters the war The Untied States Declares War Wilson is reelected in 1916 and events quickly turned the US towards war. Zimmerman Telegram: German official named Arthur Zimmerman, instructed the German ambassador to propose an alliance between Mexico and Germany. Germany would help Mexico take back New Mexico, Texas, and Arizona from the U.S. Plan fails when British intelligence intercepts the Zimmerman Telegram. In March 1917, Germany continues with unrestricted submarine warfare; sinking three American ships. Wilson asks for a declaration of War, April 6, 1917

Step 1: Building up the Military The Home Front Step 1: Building up the Military Selected Service All men between the ages of 21-30 were required to register for the draft and a lottery randomly determined the order they were called. 2.8 million men were drafted and 2 million volunteered. African Americans 400,000 were drafted only 42,000 served in combat. Encountered discrimination and prejudice in combat. Served in segregated units.

Step 2: Organizing Industry HOMEFRONT Step 2: Organizing Industry Congress creates special boards to coordinate mobilization of economy. Used to emphasize cooperation between big businesses and government

HOMEFRONT Food & Fuel Fuel Paying for War Food Administration; Herbert Hoover To conserve food Americans followed: Wheatless Monday’s, Meatless Tuesdays, Porkless Thursdays Victory gardens Fuel Introduced daylight savings to conserve energy. Heatless Mondays Shortened work weeks for non war production factories. Paying for War Bonds: American people were loaning the government money. Victory bonds

Step 3: Mobilizing for War HOMEFRONT Step 3: Mobilizing for War National War Labor Board Mediate labor disputes. Pressured industry to grant wage increases, 8 hour workdays, right of unions Women’s Support Industry Filled vacancies in the industry. Shipping industries Railroad industries Jobs were not permanent for women.

Women First time served in armed forces as Nurses, clerical duties, radio operators, electricians, pharmacists, photographers, chemists and torpedo assemblers 11,000 women served in Navy Army only allowed to enlist in Army Nursing Corps: 20,000 served and 10,000 served overseas