1. America’s Role in World War I
THE GREAT WAR:
America’s Role in World War I

2. Causes of World War I
Imperialism-European powers rushed to claim the remaining uncolonized areas of the world.
Militarism-development of armed forces and their use as a tool of diplomacy.
U.S. Remains Neutral under President Wilson
Nationalism-a devotion to the interests and culture of one’s nation. Various ethnic groups wanted independence
Alliances: Triple Entente (Allies)-France, Britain, & Russia. Triple Alliance-Germany, Austria-Hungary & Italy

3. Europe before WWI

4. World War I Begins
June 28, 1914-Archduke Francis Ferdinand and his wife are assassinated by a Serbian Nationalist, Gavrilo Princip
July 28, Backed by Germany, Austria-Hungry declares war on Serbia
Because of the Alliance System within a week all of Europe was plunged into war

5. U.S. Neutrality
President Woodrow Wilson carried on the American tradition of Neutrality towards conflict in Europe. Trade also influenced America’s decision to remain neutral.
Public Opinion was strong but divided.

7. A Bloody Stalemate in Europe
Modern Weaponry quickly leads to a bloody stalemate in Europe
Trench Warfare
Modern Weaponry
Machine Guns
Hand grenades
Poison gas
Tanks
Barbed wire
Americans on the Front Lines
American Red Cross
American Ambulance Corps
French Foreign Legion
Reporters and Photographers

9. The War Hits Home
British Blockade of Germany ports-affects U.S. trade with Germany
German U-Boats-declared they would sink ANY boat in British waters
The Sinking of the Lusitania-sunk in 18 minutes, 1,200 people die 128 of them Americans
Sussex Pledge-German U-Boats would warn ships before attacking-did not last long.
The Zimmerman Note-German Provocation
The Russian Revolution
U.S declares War April 2, 1917

11. Getting the Troops Ready
Mobilization
Selective Service Act
AEF-American Expeditionary Force under General John “Black Jack” Pershing
The Convoy System
Increase in Agricultural and Industrial production
Rationing and price controls
Propaganda
Launched to unite public opinion in favor of war
Committee on Public Information & the Four-Minute Men
Espionage Act of 1917
Sedition Act of 1918
Encouraged widespread rejection of anything German

12. Video

13. African Americans and Women in WWI
400,000 African Americans served in WWI
Served in Segregated units excluded from Navy and Marines
Most served in Noncombat duties
369th Regiment saw more duty at front than any other American Regiment. 2 Soldiers from this regiment awarded French “cross of war”
Army did not allow women to enlist but did allow them into the Army Corps of Nurses. They were denied rank, pay & benefits, though.
13,000 women accepted noncombat positions in Navy & Marines with full rank where they served as nurses, secretaries and telephone operators.
Hello Girls

14. Americans in Europe Troops in Europe Corporal Alvin York “Doughboys”
Battle of Chateau-Thierry-Am. Save Paris
August Battle of Amiens stopped German advance once and for all.
The Eleventh Hour
The Armistice came at 11 am on November 11, 1918.
10 Million soldiers had died, 20 Millions wounded, 10 Million civilian deaths,
This war was thought to be the “War to End All War”

15. Johnnie, get your gun,
Get your gun, get your gun,
Take it on the run,
On the run, on the run.
Hear them calling, you and me,
Every son of liberty.
Hurry right away,
No delay, go today,
Make your daddy glad
To have had such a lad.
Tell your sweetheart not to pine,
To be proud her boy's in line. (chorus sung twice) Johnnie, get your gun, Get your gun, get your gun, Johnnie show the Hun Who's a son of a gun. Hoist the flag and let her fly, Yankee Doodle do or die. Pack your little kit, Show your grit, do your bit. Yankee to the ranks, From the towns and the tanks. Make your mother proud of you, And the old Red, White and Blue. (chorus sung twice)
Over There
Chorus Over there, over there, Send the word, send the word over there - That the Yanks are coming, The Yanks are coming, The drums rum-tumming Ev'rywhere. So prepare, say a pray'r, Send the word, send the word to beware. We'll be over, we're coming over, And we won't come back till it's over Over there.

16. OVER HERE War Economy Liberty Bonds New Agencies Enforcing Loyalty
War Trade Board
War Industries Board
National Labor Board
Food Administration
Enforcing Loyalty
Changing Lives
Scouting programs for boys & girls
Prohibition

17. The War Encourages Social Change
The Great Migration-large scale movement of hundreds of thousands of Southern African Americans to Northern cities.
Sought escape of racial discrimination in South
Job opportunities
Propaganda
Race Riots in North
Women began taking jobs traditionally held by men.
19th Amendment
“the services of women during the (war) have been of the most signal usefulness and distinction”
FLU PANDEMIC
¼ of population affected
Poss. 30 Million died worldwide

18. American Stances toward WWI
The Preparedness Movement
Business Leaders
Wanted the country to be ready to aid Allies if necessary
Formed National Security League to promote patriotism and readiness
The Peace Movement
Women, Populists, Midwesterners, & social reformers
Founded American Union Against Militarism.
Insisted on paying for preparedness with higher taxes

19. The Eleventh Hour The Eleventh Hour
The Armistice came at 11 am on November 11, 1918.
10 Million soldiers had died, 20 Millions wounded, 10 Million civilian deaths,
This war was thought to be the “War to End All War”

20. The Paris Peace Conference and the Treaty of Versialles
Jan. to June 1918
President Wilson and the European powers met at the palace of Versialles to decide the peace terms for the treaty with Germany to end WWI.
Representatives
President Georges Clemenceau- France
Prime Minister David Lloyd George-Great Britain
President Vittorio Orlando-Italy
President Woodrow Wilson-United States

21. The Fourteen Points