World War I and Shell Shock

THE CENTURY: SHELL SHOCK

World War I Overview

  • Historic Context

    • World War I erupts, symbolizing America's most significant physical and emotional losses since the American Civil War.

INTRODUCTION

  1. What was the Lusitania?

    • The Lusitania was a passenger ship struck by a German U-Boat, leading to the deaths of 128 American passengers.

  2. Identify some other names given to WWI.

    • Some alternate names for World War I include the Great War and the War to End All Wars.

  3. What was the immediate cause of WWI?

    • The immediate spark that ignited WWI was the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary.

  4. What were the two alliances of WWI?

    • Central Powers:

      • Composed of Germany, Austria-Hungary (AH), and the Ottoman Empire (Turkey).

    • Allies:

      • Consisted of France, England, Russia, and the United States.

  5. What is the “massacre of the innocents”?

    • This term refers to the significant loss of a generation of German youth who were killed in the war, representing the lost potential and future.

AMERICA

  1. What was America’s stance on WWI in the beginning?

    • At the onset, America maintained an isolationist stance, refraining from involvement in the conflict.

  2. What was life like in America during the early 1900s?

    • Life in early 1900s America was generally pleasant and prosperous; however, societal changes were occurring rapidly, particularly with the advent of automobiles.

  3. How were Americans receiving propaganda messages?

    • Propaganda messages were disseminated through various media, notably movie houses which portrayed war as glamorous and depicted Germans as the enemy.

  4. What items are being produced in the factories?

    • Factories were focused on producing war materials, with ample job opportunities arising for workers.

  5. Who do business owners turn to for labor?

    • Owners began to turn to the Black labor pool, particularly during the Great Migration when many African Americans moved north for better opportunities.

NATURE OF THE WAR

  1. How many countries were involved in WWI?

    • A total of 60 countries participated in World War I.

  2. Describe trench warfare.

    • Trench warfare was characterized by soldiers fighting from deep trenches, leading to prolonged stalemates and horrific living conditions. Answers may vary based on specific interpretations or examples.

  3. What is meant by the “industrialization of war”?

    • The term refers to the mass production of war materials, significantly changing the scale and nature of warfare with technological innovations.

  4. What types of weapons were introduced during this war? By 1916, what weapon did commanders go back to using?

    • Introduced weapons included:

      • Poison gas, advanced machine guns, flamethrowers, and tanks.

    • By 1916, commanders reverted to utilizing more traditional weapons alongside these advancements.

  5. Describe the Battle of the Somme.

    • The Battle of the Somme exemplified WWI combat, resulting in approximately 1 million total casualties while only advancing the front line by a mile or two in either direction.

RUSSIA

  1. What revolution was taking place in Russia during WWI? Aim?

    • The Russian Revolution aimed at overthrowing the Tsar and establishing a Communist regime.

AMERICA

  1. What events led America into the war?

    • Key events included the sinking of the Lusitania (128 American deaths) and the intercepted Zimmerman telegram, among others.

  2. When President Wilson addressed Congress in 1917, what was his message?

    • President Wilson famously stated, "Right is more precious than peace!" emphasizing moral justification for involvement in the war.

  3. Why were American soldiers referencing Lafayette on arrival in France?

    • American soldiers referenced Marquis de Lafayette, a French officer who supported the U.S. during the Revolutionary War, to honor the historical alliance between the two nations.

  4. Describe the attitude and readiness of American soldiers going into WWI.

    • The soldiers generally held an unrealistic view about war and exhibited low readiness, with their military standing ranked behind that of Portugal.

END OF WAR

  1. What did Germany attempt to do in 1918? Why? Were they successful?

    • Germany attempted to seize Paris to end the war in 1918, but this initiative ultimately failed.

  2. When did the war end?

    • World War I concluded on November 11, 1918.

  3. What did American soldiers return to in America after the war?

    • Upon returning, American soldiers faced uncertainty regarding their futures and reintegration into society.

  4. What condition was Europe in after the war?

    • Europe was left in a state of destruction, both physically and economically, due to the extensive conflict.

  5. What were the 14 Points? What was the Treaty of Versailles?

    • The 14 Points were a peace plan articulated by President Wilson aimed at fostering international stability and preventing future conflicts.

    • The Treaty of Versailles was viewed as a treaty of revenge and hatred, punishing Germany and reshaping the geopolitical landscape of Europe.