During the War

Cartoon depicting the alliances during WWI

Central Powers Germany Austria-Hungary Ottoman Empire Bulgaria

Allied Powers Russia Serbia France Great Britain Italy

Eastern Front The Eastern Front was more mobile. Russians did not fare well vs. Germany Austria–Hungary struggled too. Italy joined with the Triple Entente> Allied powers.

Germany helped Austria–Hungary defeat Serbia and push Russia back into their territory. (2.5 million casualties for Russia by 1915.) Allowed Germany to focus on the Western Front.

Western Front Trench warfare No Man’s Land ditches with barbed wire were dug for miles. Stalemate No Man’s Land

1916-1917 Trenches, barbed wire, machine guns, artillery, and “no man’s land” How do you fight this kind of war? Massive artillery bombardments Massive waves of infantry attacks to break through millions died in the breakthrough attempt

Battle of Verdun 10 months =700,000 dead on both sides Zeppelin Battle of Verdun 10 months =700,000 dead on both sides War of attrition why? Industrial revolution -Railroad and supplies -Factories and weapons -Airplanes introduced (pistols and machine guns) *German Zeppelins (Bombing and H)

Allied Powers vs. Central Powers Many countries now forced to join on one side or other. Italy opens front vs. Austria-Hungary Lawrence of Arabia- gets Arabs to revolt against Ottomans (Turks) Australia, Japan, India all joined the effort Lawrence of Arabia

Where is the United States? Lusitania sunk in 1915 -1100 die (over 100 Americans) Germany agreed to restrict sub-warfare - 1917 resumed “unrestricted submarine warfare”

In April 1917, the U.S. enters the war on the Allied side Mostly in form of money and supplies until 1918 when large numbers of troops arrived On April 6, the US declared war on Germany. The vote was 90-6 in the Senate, and 373-50 in the House. The increase in U-boat activity by Germany; combined with the interception of the Zimmerman telegram, promising Mexico it would regain part of the United States if it entered the war on the German side; precipitated the final American decision to go to war.

The War at Home All parts of society involved in the war effort = Total War Propaganda Price and wage controls Rationing Draft Women went to work replacing men