APUSH Norton Chapter 23: Americans in the Great War

The RMS Lusitania

British Ocean liner with American passengers that was sunk right off the Irish coast in 1915 by a German submarine and later found to be carrying munitions. About 1,200 people died, challenged US neutrality.

Resignation of Secretary of State William Jennings Bryan

Wilson made it clear that he would not stop US citizens from travelling on foreign ships, the same foreign ships that got many US citizens killed after U-Boat attacks. Bryan resigned out of protest against Wilson's refusal to act.

The Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand

Archduke Franz Ferdinand was the heir to the Austrian Hungary throne in 1896. He was assassinated on June 28, 1914 in Sarajevo, Bosnia by Serbian nationalists (Black Hand). This sparked WWI and caused Germany and other Austria Hungary allies to declare war on Serbia while Serbia's allies did the same.

President Wilson's Proclamation of Neutrality

Wilson wasnted to distance America at first as that was traditional US policy toward European wars. He asked Americans to refrain from taking sides and exhibit the dignity of self control. Wilson also hoped the US would stand apart as a civilized nation which would pose as a "mediator" in regards to the warring European nations.

Wilsonianism

The cluster of ideas Wilson espoused. Consisted of traditional American principles such as democracy and a open door trade policy and also a conviction that the US was a beacon of freedom in the world. Only the US could lead the world into a new, peaceful era of unobstructed commerce, free-market capitalism, democratic politics and open diplomacy.

British Naval Policy

Their polciy aimed to sever neutral trade with Germany in order to cripple it's economy. Britian declared a blockade of water entrances to Germany and mined the North Sea. They harassed neutral shipping by seizing cargoes and defining a very broad list of contraband that they prohibited neutral countries from selling and shipping to Germany.

Neutral Rights

Privileges or freedoms that are granted to nations that do not choose a side in a conflict such as the freedom to continue and trade with countries across the globe. Both Britian and Germany undermined these rights as they would prevent the US from giving supplies to their opposition through military force.

Submarine and International Law

Submarine technology was new and international law did not have much power to stop these suprise submarine attacks. The only regulations were the necessary warning of non-military ships before a U-Boat attack. However, this caused the U-Boat to be ineffective because its strategy was based off suprise attacks. Germany wanted to get rid of these laws, Wilson refused to compromise.

The Sussex

A French naval vessel stuck off the coast of Ireland and was torpedoed by a German U-Boat. British and a few US citizens were killed. This was major as Germany repsonded to the angry US with the Sussex pledge in which Germany agreed to give merchant ships and passenger ships adequate warning before firing upon them. Only upheld till Febuary 1917 when unrestricted submarine warfare was resumed.

The American Peace Movement

Aimed to keep the US out of the WWI confict by emphasizing the negative effects the war would have on American youth, the nation's resources and reform policies. Consisted of a diverse array of people and organizations mainly those involved in social reform.

Unrestricted Submarine Warfare

Germany launched unrestricted warfare because they reasonsed Britian and other countries could be brought to the brink of starvation potentially winning them the war. Even though they ran the risk of the US entering the war, Germany decided to proceed anyways. Germany eventually declared this sub warfare which meant they would attack any vessels regardless if they were neutral that were in the declared war zone.

Zimmermann Telegram

British intelligence intercepted and passed this to US officials addressed to the German minister in Mexico from the German foreign secretary, Zimmermann. It's message was that if Mexico joined a military alliance against the US, Germany would help it recover lost territories from the Mexican American war. It helped turn the tide of American anti-war sentiment and stifled US resolve.

The Armed Ship Bill

Wilson asked Congress for authroity to arm American merchant ships as a deterrent to the unrestricted U-Boat warfare Germany was conducting. Type of "armed neutrality" so that these ships wouldn't be completely defenseless in the seas surrounding Europe.

Wilson's War Message

Wilson accused Germans of war against mankind, naiming his grievences: Germany's violation of freedom of the seas, disruption of commerce, interference with Mexico (Zimmermann Telegram), and the breach of Human rights by killing innocent Americans. On principles of morality, honor, security and reform, Wilson would declare war on Germany and therefore the Central Powers.

Jeannette Rankin

1st Woman to ever be in Congress specifically the House of Representitives. Jeannette Rankin passed a vote against the US entering WWI because she stated that peace was a woman's job and men fear appearing cowardly for not engaging in war when the time arises. Advocate for Women's Sufferage.

The Selective Service Act

Passed in 1917 and required all men ages 21 to 30 years old to register for military service. Was the first war draft since the civil war. Proponents believed this would prepare the nation for a large scale conflict with other world powers and instill patriotism, respect for order, democracy and personal sacrafice. Drafted around 2.8 million Americans in total.

African American Enlistees in the Military

About 400,000 African Americans served in the US military. Many southern politicians feared arming black Americans, but they were still drafted into their seperate segregated units where they were assigned to menial labor and endured crude abuse and miserable conditions. For example, the all Black 369th infantry regiment spent more time than any other American regiment in the trenches in Europe.

"Evaders," "Deserters," and COs

About 3 million Americans evaded draft registration and some were arrested or fled, but most stayed home and were never discovered. Most of these men were from lower income agricultural and industrial laborers while others felt overwhelmed by government bureaucracy. Others were "conscientious objectors" who stayed out of the war because it clashed with their belief systems. These objectors were called enemies of the republic and harassed.

General John J. Pershing

Commander of the American Expoditionary Force that fought in Europe during WWI. He also tried and failed to catch Pancho Villa after his attack on US soil. Successfuly led American forces and French forces in an German offensive though.

Trench Warfare and Poison Gas

Zigzag trenches fronted by barbed wire and mines streached across European countries. Between the trenches was no man's land which was pummled by artilery fire. Soldiers would be ordered to charge on the enemy's trenches. Chlorine Gas was used (precursor to zyklon B, mustard gas and nerve gas) which would lead to death by drowining because of overstimulated lung fluid production.

Shell Skock (PTSD, Was Psychosis)

A form of mental illness with a fixed/empty stare, violent tremors, paralyzed limbs, listlessness, jabbering, screaming, and haunting dreams. Many soldiers expereinced this after the trauma they expereinced while witnessing the horrors of war.

Venereal Disease Among American Soldiers

Serious problem. French PM Clemenceau offered licensed, inspected prostitutes in "special houses" to the American army. By the end of the war, 15% of American soldiers had contracted venereal disease. Periodic inspections, chemical prophylactic treatments and the threat of court martial for the soldiers if they became infected kept these numbers from rising further.

The Bolshevik Revolution

Liberal deomcratic government of Kerensky which led the country after the Czar was overthrown was then overthrown by Lenin and his socialists. Seized power vowing to change world politics and end imperal rivalries on terms that challenged Wilson's. Lenin saw the war as signaling the impending end of capitalism and looked for a global revolution led by the workers that would sweep away the imperalist order. This frightened western leaders. The revolution happened in 1917 and was also what took Russia out of WWI.

Wilson's Fourteen Points

Wilson reaffirmed America's commitment to an international system governed by laws and renounced teritorial gains. First 5 and 14: 1. Open diplomacy without secret treaties 2. Economic free trade on the seas during war and peace 3. Equal trade conditions 4. Decrease armaments among all nations 5. Adjust colonial claims 14. Creation of the League of Nations.

The Food Administration, Railroad Administration and Fuel Administration

The Food Administration launched voluntary programs to increase production and conserve food. The Railroad Administration took over the railway industry. The Fuel Administration controlled coal supplies and rationed gasoline. These new government agencies placed controls on these things to help America in the war effort and example of strengthening government during the time of war.

The War Industries Board

Headed by Baruch. The largest of all superagencies. Had to conciliate competing intrest groups and compromise with the business executives whose advice it so valued. Designed as a clearing house for coordinating the national economy, made purchases, allocated supplies and fixed prices at levels businesses requested. Also ordered the standardization of goods to save materials and streamline production.

Women in the Work Force

The expanding wartime labor market allowed for new work opportunities for women so many changed their jobs or got new jobs and moved into formerly male domains. The country needed as many workers as it could get and many men were also leaving their jobs because of the draft.

African American Migration

Many African Americans migrated to Northern Cities to work in railroad yards, packing houses, steel mills, and coal mines. This was mainly due to the economic oppertunities that presented themsleves in the north because of the growing industries that were related to war. These wartime jobs provided an escape from low wages, sharecropping, crop liens, debt, lynchings and political disenfranchisement. Black population in some cities in the north grew by over 100%.

Civil Liberties Issue

Wilson administration was known for one of the worst civil liberty records in American history. Those who refused to support the war (pacifists, conscientious objectors, socialists, radical labor groups, debt ridden tenant farmers, reformers, etc.) were silenced by the government. Debating and freedom of speech (1st Amendment) rights were infringed.

The Committee on Public Information

Headed by George Creel. Employed some of the nation's most talented writers and scholars, it used propaganda to shape and mobilize public opinion for the war. Pamphlets and films demonized the Germans and encouraged patriotism. Urged the press to practice self censorship and encouraged people to spy on their neighbors.

The Espionage and Sedition Acts

The Espionage act of 1917 Forbade "false statements" designed to impede the draft or promote military insubordination and banned things that could be consitered treasonous. The Sedition Act of 1918 made it unlawful to obstruct the sale of war bonds and to use "disloyal, profane, surrilous, or abusive" language to describe the government, constitution, the flag or military. More than 2,000 were prosecuted under these acts while others were intimidated into silence.

Schenck v. United States

A 1919 decision upholding the conviction of a socialist who had urged young men to resist the draft during World War I. Justice Holmes declared that government can limit speech if the speech provokes a "clear and present danger" of substantive evils.

Abrams v. United States

The court upheld the Sedition Act of four Russian immigrants who had printed pamphlets denouncing American military intervention in the Russian Revolution. The nation's highest court thus endorsed the severe wartime restriction on free speech.

The Red Scare

During 1919 to 1920 where many people in the United States feared immigrants and dissidents who supported mainly socialist or communist ideology (pro-bolshevik sympathizers). These "enemies" were called "reds." Occured mainly after WWI and resulted in people being deprived of their constitutional rights by the government.

The Paris Peace Confrence

The big four (Lloyd Geroge of Britian, Vittorio Orlando of Italy, Georges Clemenceau of France, and Woodrow Wilson of the U.S.) tried to work out an agreement secretly. They decided how to rebuild Europe and impose penalties on the defeated Central Powers. This led to several treaties one of which was the Treaty of Versailles. Wilson tried to push for his 14 points here too, but did not get much of a positive response from the other vengeful victors.

Central Powers WWI

Germany, Austria-Hungary, Ottoman Empire, Bulgaria

Allied Powers WWI

Britain, France, Russia, Italy and the United States

The Principle of Self-Determination

The right that a country has to decide its type of government. Allowed nationalities in Europe to create their own states. Austria, Hungary, Poland, Yugoslavia, and Czechoslovakia were created out of the Austria Hungary empire and parts of Russia and Germany.

The Mandate System

Placed former Gemran and Turkish colonies under the control of other imperal nations. Japan gained the authority of Germany's colonies in the pacific, France and Britian obtained parts of the middle east and Britian also secured Palestine as the homeland for the Jewish People. Criticized as a form of colonialism under a different name even though these areas were supposed to eventually be set up for self rule.

The Balfour Declaration

Britian's wartime promise to the Jewish people that stated that "national home for the Jewish people" would be made in Palestine without prejudice to the civil and religious rights of existing non-Jewish communities already there. This was unfortunately vauge regarding the rights of the Arab population in Palestine, laid the groundworks for the conflict between the two ethnic groups in the region.

The Leauge of Nations

Wilson envisioned this organization as having power over all disputes among states. Aimed to promote peace, security, and cooperation among countries. Was the 14th point in Wilson's 14 points plan. It would be comrpised of delegates from the various countries who would vote (democratically) in regards to various things at hand.

Article 10 of the Leauge Covenant

The Members of the League undertake to respect and preserve as against external aggression the territorial integrity and existing political independence of all Members of the League. In case of any such aggression or in case of any threat or danger of such aggression the Council shall advise upon the means by which this obligation shall be fulfilled. Basically said that if one member nation was attacked other member nations were required to come to its aid.

The Treaty of Versailles

Imposed very harsh punishments on Germany. Germany was required to pay massive war reparations and they also lost 13% of their territory and all their colonies. German military might was also severely restricted that it was basically useless. This treaty created new nations as Austria Hungary was dissolved.

The Lodge Reservations

Senator Henry Cabot Lodge of Massachusetts led senate opposition to the Leauge of Nations. Protected congressional war powers and U.S. policy. Introduced several revisions to the US's potential membership in the Leauge of Nations such that congress had to approve any obligation under article 10 and the U.S. would not be bound to use military force to uphold the Leauge's comittment in article 10 without congressional approval.

Pancho Villa

A popular leader during the Mexican Revolution of 1910. An outlaw in his youth, when the revolution started, he formed a cavalry army in the north of Mexico and fought for the rights of the landless in collaboration with Emiliano Zapata. Conducted a raid inside of New Mexico which killed 17 Americans. Was chased but not captured by General John J. Pershing.

George Creel

Journalist, Writer, Public Offical, Politician was the head of the Committee on Public Information during WWI whose aim was to influence the public sentiment of the American people to be pro-war.

Herbert Hoover

Head of the Food Administration who pioneered successful voluntary mobilization methods. This helped him get into politics and would eventually lead him to becoming the US president. Wealthy mining engineer and also led wartime relief in Belgium.

William Howard Taft

Head of the national war labor board. President right before Woodrow Wilson. Strongly supported US participation in the Leauge of Nations. His nomination to chairman of the national labor board was in part because he served as Secretary of War under Theodore Roosevelt.

Total War

When a country mobilizes much of its economic, industrial and societal resources in order to win. Basically a "win at any costs" mentality where every single asset would be used to a country's advantage.

American Expeditionary Forces (AEF)

Led by General John G. Pershing, this was a force of US soldiers that was sent to Europe during WWI. It served as an independant fighting force from the other nations (due to the desire to have the US control its own military operations and preserve the unique training of the force). Provided manpower necessary to tip the war to the Allied victory.

Spanish Flu

Originated in the US (Kansas), but US government forbade publications that revealed the true death toll and the dangers of the illness becuase it might have damaged morale for the war effort. Called the Spanish flu because Spain was not at war and therefore the press wrote about the flu and the two became associated with one another. Killed 5 times the number of Americans as those who died from combat deaths in France.

Eugene V. Debs

A socialist that was imprisoned due to his oration that promoted the freedom of speech. Federal agents arrested him, resulting in Debs being imprisoned for ten years.