#2 The Century America's Time, "1914 to 1919 Shell Shock"

The Lusitania and the Early World War I Context

• Date and Location: May 1, 1915, Pier 54, New York City

• Ship: The Lusitania, fast and luxurious, was a symbol of safety and opulence.

• Passengers: Approximately 2,000 boarded, including Eda Stanley's family, heading to England during WWI.

• Threats: The seas were dangerous due to German submarines, though passengers felt secure as the Lusitania was a passenger ship.

The Sinking of the Lusitania

• Final Day: Approaching the Irish coast, everything seemed beautiful until disaster struck.

• Attack: A single German torpedo hit the ship, causing catastrophic damage.

• Lifeboat Launch: Only six lifeboats were launched before sinking; many were left begging to be saved.

• Casualties: Approximately 1,200 drowned, including 128 Americans.

The Onset of World War I

• Cause of War: The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in June 1914 sparked a chain reaction among European powers.

• Key Players: Included Austria-Hungary, Germany, Russia, France, and Britain. Their colonial empires significantly influenced global power dynamics.

• Initial Enthusiasm: Young men from various nations enthusiastically volunteered, believing the war would be brief.

Early Battles and Realizations

• German Offensive: Initial rapid advances through Belgium into France shattered romantic notions of war.

• Casualties: Over a million French casualties by the end of the first year shocked nations, as young men faced horrors of trench warfare.

• Impact on Young Soldiers: Victims were often well-educated young men who did not expect such devastation.

America's Initial Stance on the War

• Neutrality: The U.S. maintained an official neutral position; its citizens focused on economic prosperity.

• Technological Changes: The rise of the automobile and the assembly line changed American life, contrasting with the war's devastation in Europe.

• Cultural Exposure: Movie houses began featuring war-related content, shaping American perceptions and sympathies toward the Allies.

Recruitment and Propaganda

• Economic Growth: American banks lent heavily to Britain and France, boosting the U.S. economy.

• Labor Migration: The war limited European immigration, prompting a migration of Southern blacks to the North for factory jobs.

• Growing Involvement: As the war dragged on, discussions in America shifted towards potential involvement.

War of Attrition and Stalemate

• Trench Warfare: By late 1914, the Western Front was defined by fortified trenches and massive loss of life.

• Technological Advancements: New weapons included machine guns and tanks, leading to unprecedented slaughter rates.

• Conditions for Soldiers: Soldiers lived in horrendous conditions, contributing to psychological trauma known as shell shock.

The Battle of the Somme

• Initiation: Began in July 1916 as the Allies sought to break the stalemate with the largest bombardment yet.

• Casualties: Marked the bloodiest day in British history with over 20,000 killed and injury rates soaring.

• Outcome: Despite extensive planning, no significant territorial gains were made, exemplifying the war's futility.

Global Impact and Revolutions

• Home Front Struggles: Disillusionment spread across nations, leading to revolutions, notably in Russia.

• Rise of Bolshevism: Led by Lenin, the Bolsheviks aimed to establish a communist state amid chaos and starvation.

• Russian Withdrawal: Following internal revolution, Russia exited the war, altering the balance of forces.

U.S. Entry into the War

• Changing Perceptions: Germany’s increased aggression, including attacks on U.S. ships, turned public opinion.

• Declaration of War: Wilson sought to engage on April 2, 1917, emphasizing the fight for democracy.

• Troop Deployment: American troops arrived in France to aid Allies, bringing fresh resolve.

Final Stages of the War

• German Last Gambit: In March 1918, Germany launched a final offensive threatening Paris.

• American Contribution: Fresh American forces helped finally halt German advances.

• Armistice: On November 11, 1918, Germany surrendered, ending years of conflict abruptly.

Aftermath and Disillusionment

• Veterans' Return: American troops faced an uncertain future in a post-war economy struggling to adapt.

• Social Impact: The physical and psychological scars of the war reshaped societies, with millions dead and countless more affected.

• Versailles Conference: Wilson's proposals contrasted sharply with the Allies’ punitive measures against Germany, which sowed seeds for future conflicts.

Legacy of the War

• Technological Advancements and Lessons: The war showcased the destructive potential of industrialization and technology.

• Enduring Conflict: The unresolved issues and grievances from the Treaty of Versailles foreshadowed future wars.

• Final Thoughts: The account highlights the massive costs of war and the complexities of historical narratives that influence subsequent generations.