World War I Part #2

A Different Kind of War WWI saw the widespread use of Trench Warfare (long ditches used by both sides that provided definitive lines of territory and sheltered troops during battle). “No man’s land” was the area between the trenches that was a killing zone; entering it meant almost certain death.

Soldiers had to use the new technology in order to overcome the “no man’s land”

Death Tolls Number of deaths on each side was immense and the fighting was extremely bloody Costly battles: Battle of Verdun – (700,000 casualties) Battle of the Somme (1916) – (60,000 British casualties on first day, over 1,000,000 casualties for both sides overall) Despite the high casualties, neither side was able to gain an advantage

A Change in the Wind 1917 Russian Revolution ends with Russia pulling out of the war leaving Germany with only one front to focus on (western vs. France & Britain). The Central Powers seem poised to take control of the war until… The United States ends its neutrality and joins the war effort on the side of the Allies

Why the U.S. Joins the War Germany begins “unrestricted submarine warfare,” (attacks on ALL ships in Allied waters, even civilian vessels). U.S. loses several merchant ships, and in 1915 a German u-boat torpedoed the British ship Lusitania. 1,200 passengers lost, including 128 American citizens.

Why the U.S. Joins the War Zimmerman Letter – a intercepted note from Germany asking Mexico to join the war to fight against America. 1917- President Woodrow Wilson: “the world must be made safe for democracy.” U.S. declares war on Germany.

Effects of U.S. Joining the War The United States joining slowly turns the tide of the war in favor of the allies. November 1918 – German leader Kaiser Wilhelm II surrenders and his country has no option other than to sign a humiliating treaty. Treaty of Versailles (1919) ends “The Great War.”

Allied Dead / Wounded Central Dead / Wounded Russia – 1,700,00 / 4,950,000 France – 1,358,000 / 4,266,000 Britain – 908,000 / 2,090,000 Italy – 462,000 / 954,000 U.S. – 51,000 / 206,000 Central Dead / Wounded Germany - 1,809,000 / 4,247,000 A-H – 923,000 / 3,620,000 Ottoman E. – 325,000 / 400,000