lecture recording on 18 March 2025 at 10.28.39 AM

The Western and Eastern Fronts

• Overview of the Fronts

  • The Western Front was characterized by trench warfare and stalemate.

  • The Eastern Front had Russia struggling increasingly, sending masses of troops into battle.

Russia's Situation

• Military Struggles

  • The Russian military faced significant losses, affecting morale severely.

  • Historical context includes the Russo-Japanese War, where Russia lost to an Eastern power for the first time.

  • In World War I, Russia was also struggling, further leading to dissatisfaction among its citizens.

• Internal Chaos

  • A combination of ineffective industrialization and a disconnect between the monarchy and the populace created unrest.

  • The dissatisfaction with the monarchy sent the country towards revolution and internal conflict.

Importance of Russia in World War I

• Strategic Role

  • Despite hardships, Russia forced Germany to divide its military efforts, thus aiding the Allies.

  • The Allies recognized that a strong Russia was beneficial for their war strategy.

• Supply Issues

  • To maintain support for Russia, the Allies planned to supply them with military resources through the Dardanelles.

    • The Dardanelles, historically known as the Hellespont, are vital narrow waterways.

  • Control over these waterways was held by the Ottoman Empire, who were not allies of the Allies.

The Gallipoli Campaign

• Attempts to Aid Russia

  • The Allies launched the Gallipoli Campaign to take control of the Dardanelles to facilitate supply transport.

  • The campaign ultimately failed, resulting in a stalemate and further straining Russia's ability to continue in the war.

United States Neutrality

• US pre-WWI Position

  • The U.S. remained neutral during most of World War I, with public opinion gradually shifting toward the Allies.

  • The factor leading to this shift included unrestricted submarine warfare employed by Germany.

Unrestricted Submarine Warfare

• Definition and Implications

  • This policy allowed German U-boats to attack any ships believed to support the Allies, including neutral vessels.

  • The sinking of the Lusitania, a passenger liner carrying Americans, heightened tensions and led to public outcry against Germany.

• Reactions to the Lusitania Incident

  • The Lusitania was carrying munitions alongside passengers, complicating the narrative of blame.

  • Although there was outrage, this incident alone did not trigger U.S. entry into the war.

Factors Leading to U.S. Entry into WWI

• Telegram Incident

  • The eventual U.S. entry was influenced by events beyond the Lusitania incident, particularly a critical telegram relating to wartime alliances.

The Treaty of Versailles

• Post-War Peace Negotiations

  • The Treaty of Versailles was signed at the Palace of Versailles to formally conclude the war.

  • Germany and Russia were excluded from the discussions, leading to feelings of injustice and unresolved grievances.

• Wilson's 14 Points

  • U.S. President Woodrow Wilson advocated for a peace treaty based on 14 Points emphasizing fairness and equality.

  • However, the dominant European powers focused on self-interest and territorial gain.

• Outcome and Impact

  • The Treaty of Versailles has been criticized as a flawed peace agreement that contributed to the conditions leading to World War II.