The First World War: Key Events and Concepts

The First World War Begins

  • Date and Location: The First World War began on June 28, 1914, in the Balkans.
  • Key Event: The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria.
    • Assassin: Gavrilo Princip, a Serbian nationalist.
    • Consequences: Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia, which triggered a series of mobilizations among nations due to existing alliances.

Assassination of Ferdinand and his Wife

  • Significance: The assassination served as a catalyst for the outbreak of World War I, symbolizing nationalistic tensions in the Balkans.

Geography of the War

  • Central players involved in the conflict were positioned around Europe, including:
    • Allied Powers: France, Great Britain, Russia, Italy, and later the United States.
    • Central Powers: Germany, Austria-Hungary, the Ottoman Empire, and Bulgaria.
    • Neutral Nations: Sweden, Norway, the Netherlands, Switzerland.
  • Key geographical locations: Key battles occurred in various cities depicted in maps such as Paris, Belgium, Berlin, and the Adriatic Sea.

Major Battles and Fronts

  • Western Front: Site of many major battles including:
    • 1st and 3rd Battles of Ypres
    • Battle of the Somme
    • Battle of Verdun
    • Battle of Tannenberg (EASTERN FRONT)
    • Battle of Gallipoli
    • Battle of Caporetto
  • No Man's Land: The dangerous space between opposing trenches where many soldiers faced death and injury.

Innovations of Warfare

  • Firsts in Warfare:
    • Chemical warfare (use of poison gas)
    • Flamethrowers
    • Aerial warfare
    • Tank battles
    • Use of X-rays in the military medical field
    • Development of blood banks and guide dogs for the injured.

Casualties of Major Countries Involved

  • Statistics: The casualties of major nations involved in the war:
    • Russia: 76% mobilized forces were casualties.
    • France: 73% casualties.
    • Romania: 71% casualties.
    • Serbia: 47% casualties.
    • The Allies included countries such as Italy, the United Kingdom, Belgium, and the United States with varying casualty rates between 52% and 39% respectively.
  • Defining Total Casualties: Total casualties defined as killed/died + wounded + prisoners/missing.

United States' Early Position on War

  • Initial Neutrality: The US maintained neutrality at the onset of the conflict, influenced by:
    • Historical reluctance to engage in European conflicts.
    • A strong peace movement in America.
    • The diverse immigrant population from both sides of the conflict living in the US.
  • Turning Point: The US position changed primarily as a reaction to German actions, especially submarine warfare.

U.S. Enters the War

  • Date: US declared war on Germany in early 1917 as a result of resumed submarine attacks on unarmed vessels.
  • Motives for Entry: Merged practical military needs with ideological reasons under President Wilson's leadership aiming for peace after the conflict.

Sinking of the Lusitania

  • Event Date: May 7, 1915.
  • Overview: The RMS Lusitania, a British ocean liner, was torpedoed by a German U-boat, leading to significant loss of life and solidifying anti-German sentiment in the US.
  • Casualties: Out of 1,959 passengers, 1,198 drowned including 128 US citizens.
  • Timeline and Specifications:
    • Launched in 1906, became largest ship in the world.
    • Maiden voyage in 1907.
  • The incident played a pivotal role in shaping public opinion against Germany prior to US involvement in the war.

Cancellation and Communication

  • Telegram revealing a German proposal to Mexico (Zimmmermann Telegram) indicating potential alliance against the United States was sent, further escalating tensions and was intercepted by the UK.

Mobilizing the Home Front - Military

  • Readiness: The US Navy was the only military branch adequately prepared for war, aiding the Allies through naval convoys.
    • The Army required significant resources, training, and manpower.

Mobilizing - Agriculture and Industry

  • Role of Farmers: Farmers were responsible for feeding both the US civilian population and military as well as European allies.
  • Collaboration: The war necessitated new forms of government and business collaboration to secure materials.

Mobilizing - Public Opinion**

  • Propaganda: The US government leveraged propaganda to bolster support for the war while concurrently limiting constitutional freedoms.
  • Consequences: Propaganda vilified enemy nations, affecting immigrant populations of those nations within the US.

US Action and Allied Victory

  • AEF Leadership: The American Expeditionary Force emphasized US command in military actions.
  • Victory Impact: US involvement provided morale boost leading to victory and facilitated President Wilson's agenda for post-war peace and transformation.

Setting the Global Peace

  • Wilson’s Vision: Envisioned a world with international cooperation, peace, and disarmament exemplified by forming the League of Nations.

Problems for Wilson at Home

  • Political Opposition: Wilson faced skepticism from Republican leaders, especially Senator Henry Cabot Lodge, concerning his League of Nations proposal.
  • Health Constraints: Wilson’s health issues hindered his ability to push for his post-war peace agenda vigorously.

Post-War Labor Concerns and the First Red Scare

  • Labor Unrest: After the war, laborers demanded increased wages and improved working conditions leading to unprecedented strike actions.
  • Reaction: Government and American businesses reacted by associating labor unrest with radical political sentiments, heightening fear of communism and diminishing support for organized labor movements.