JB APUSH Unit 7D WWI (1)

Great War in Europe (1914-1919)

Causes of the War

• Imperialism: Competition for colonies and resources.

• Nationalism: Strong patriotic sentiments.

• Arms Race: Increased military expenditures.

• Military Alliances:

  • Triple Alliance: Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy

  • Triple Entente: Great Britain, France, Russia

• Assassination of Archduke:

  • Occurred on June 28, 1914.

  • Assassin: Gavrilo Princip, a Serbian nationalist.

• Ultimatums: Led to declarations of war.

American Position of Neutrality

Isolationism

• Aim: Avoid entangling alliances and wars in Europe.

  • Wilson's Campaign (1916): "He kept us out of war."

  • Ethnic Ties: German-Americans and Irish-Americans had conflicting loyalties.

  • Pacifists: Examples include Jane Addams.

• Support for Allies:

  • Cultural Relations: Strong ties to Great Britain.

  • Financial Support: American loans worth $2.3 billion to Allies.

Growing Tensions with Germany

• German U-boats: Navy engaged in unrestricted submarine warfare.

• R.M.S. Lusitania (May 7, 1915):

  • Casualties: 1,198 killed, including 128 Americans.

• Sussex Pledge (1916): Germany's promise to cease attacking passenger ships.

Russian Revolution (1917)

• Key Figures: Bolsheviks led by Vladimir Lenin.

• Outcome: Overthrow of Tsar Nicholas II.

• Treaty of Brest-Litovsk (1917): Russia ceased hostilities with Central Powers.

Peace and Preparedness

• Movement Leaders: Leonard Wood, Theodore Roosevelt, Elihu Root.

• National Defense Act of 1916:

  • Called for military preparedness amid growing tensions.

• Cultural Influence:

  • The film "The Battle Cry of Peace" emphasized the need for strength.

Zimmerman Telegram and Declaration of War

• Intercepted Message: Germany promising to assist Mexico in reclaiming lost territories if Mexico joined the Central Powers.

• Congress Declares War (April 6, 1917):

  • Motivations included a desire to promote democracy.

Arguments for and Against War

Pro-War: Woodrow Wilson

• Emphasized peace and justice against autocratic power.

• Called for making the world safe for democracy.

Anti-War: George W. Norris

• Advocated for keeping out of European entanglements, referencing George Washington's advice.

• Belief in American self-sufficiency to solve domestic issues without foreign involvement.

Liberty Bonds

• Purpose: Finance the war effort.

• Promotion: Framed as a patriotic duty to invest in bonds to support the military.

War Agencies

• War Industries Board: Coordinates war material purchases.

• National War Labor Board: Prevents strikes and promotes industrial peace during wartime.

• Food Administration: Promotes voluntary rationing, establishes "victory gardens."

Committee on Public Information

• Led by: George Creel.

• Goals: Promote patriotic duty, censor anti-war propaganda.

• Methods: Utilized advertisements, movies, and public speakers (Four Minute Men).

Examples of American Propaganda

• Various posters and advertisements encouraged public support for the war and the purchase of Liberty Bonds.

Civil Liberties During WWI

• Espionage Act of 1917: Prohibited interference with military operations and recruitment.

• Sedition Act of 1918: Criminalized disloyal or abusive language regarding the U.S. government.

Supreme Court Cases

• Debs v. United States (1919): Espionage Act upheld as constitutional.

• Schenck v. United States (1919): Free speech limited during wartime if it poses a clear danger.

• Abrams v. United States (1919): Continued support for limiting free speech related to wartime opposition.

Immigrants in America

• Expected loyalty amid rising anti-foreign sentiments.

• Propaganda and Hysteria: German culture targeted, leading to drastic changes (e.g., renaming foods).

American Expeditionary Force (AEF)

• Recruitment & Draft: Selective Service Act (1917),2 million drafted & volunteered.

• General John J. Pershing: Strategic command upon arrival in Europe.

Major War Events

• Schlieffen Plan: Initial German offensive strategy.

• Hundred Days Offensive (1918): Allied push that led to German retreat.

Wilson’s Fourteen Points

• Aim: Establish a just peace post-war.

• Key points include self-determination, abolition of secret treaties, and formation of League of Nations.

Treaty of Versailles (1919)

• Big Four: Key leaders: Wilson, Lloyd George, Clemenceau, Orlando.

• Key Provisions: Reparations, territorial adjustments, and formation of League of Nations.

Treaty Ratification

• Debate Among Senators:

  • Internationalists: Support for Wilson’s treaty.

  • Reservationists: Opposed collective security in League.

  • Irreconcilables: Rejected treaty outright.

• Wilson's Campaign: Suffered health issues amidst public support efforts.

Returning from War

• Casualties: 116,516 killed, 204,000 wounded.

• Advocacy: Establishment of the American Legion for veterans’ return support.

Spanish Flu

• Epidemic in 1918: Aggressive H1N1 strain infected millions worldwide, leading to significant mortality.

Post-WWI Recession

• Economic challenges transitioned from wartime to peacetime leading to decline and unemployment spikes.

First Red Scare

• National anxiety surrounding Bolshevism influenced by wartime nationalism and societal changes.

Labor Unions and Strikes

• Major strikes in 1919 associated with anti-union sentiments and fear of radicalism led to public backlash.

Race Riots

• Economic competition and returning troops led to racial violence in cities like Chicago and Omaha.

Palmer Raids of 1919

• Targeted radicals culminating in deportations amid national security concerns post-WWI.

Controversial Perspectives

A. Mitchell Palmer

• Advocated aggressive actions against perceived threats posed by radicals.

National Popular Government League

• Critiqued the methods of the Department of Justice in suppressing dissent and highlighted constitutional infringements.