Yawp 21

I. Introduction

  • World War I

    • Known as "The Great War"; caused the fall of empires and formed new nations.

    • Ushered in modern warfare with devastating tactics resulting in massive casualties, predominantly among young men.

    • The U.S. involvement in 1917 marked its emergence as a global military power but resulted in severe repression of progressive movements at home.

    • The war sown tensions that ultimately contributed to the Great Depression and World War II.

II. Prelude to War

  • Rise of Germany

    • The late 19th century saw the rise of the German Empire threatening traditional power dynamics in Europe.

    • Kaiser Wilhelm II (who became emperor in 1888) sought to rival British naval power and expand German colonies.

    • This expansion prompted a defensive alliance between Russia and France in response to Germany's growing threats, forming the Triple Entente with Great Britain.

  • Austro-Hungarian and Ottoman Empires

    • The Ottoman Empire represented another threat to European peace; Austria-Hungary eyed expansion towards Slavic territories in the Balkans frustrated by Russian protection of Serbia.

III. Events Leading Up to War

  • Assassination and Outbreak

    • On June 28, 1914, Austro-Hungarian Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated by Serbian nationalist Gavrilo Princip, instigating war declarations.

    • Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia on July 28, 1914, leading to a chain reaction involving Russia and Germany.

    • The conflict escalated as Germany advanced through neutral Belgium, leading to British involvement.

IV. American Neutrality

  • Initial Stance

    • Historically, America maintained a policy of isolationism, refraining from involvement in European conflicts.

    • President Washington's Farewell Address advised against foreign entanglements, guiding American sentiment until 1914.

  • Economic Relationships

    • The U.S. economy thrived during European peace; American industries benefited from trade with allies, even while declaring neutrality.

    • Economic ties to Britain and France deepened, complicating the claim of neutrality as they received loans and supplies from the U.S.

V. Growing Tensions and Mobilization

  • Military Preparations

    • Despite initial reliance on a small military, Congress authorized a modernization of the navy reflecting the need for enhanced defense postures against foreign threats.

    • The National Defense Act of 1916 allowed greater military readiness, training reservists and local emergency units.

VI. The Road to War

  • Increasing Hostilities

    • U.S. neutrality began to erode as unrestricted German submarine warfare and the sinking of RMS Lusitania stirred public opinion toward war.

    • The Zimmermann Telegram's offer to Mexico from Germany to reclaim lost lands further inflamed tensions leading to the U.S. declaring war on April 4, 1917.

VII. America Enters the War

  • Mobilization Challenges

    • The U.S. military faced significant readiness issues; historical reluctance towards large standing forces complicated rapid military expansion.

    • The introduction of the Selective Service Act on May 18, 1917, mandated conscription for military service to meet the demands of war.

VIII. Homefront Mobilization

  • Patriotic Sentiment

    • National propaganda fueled support for the war, resulting in widespread enlistment and civilian volunteer activities, especially by women.

    • The War Department and organizations like the YMCA provided supportive roles for soldiers and outreach efforts for recruits.

IX. Social Changes Due to the War

  • Racial Dynamics

    • The war effort saw shifts in societal roles; Black Americans faced systemic discrimination yet sought equality through military service.

    • Experiences of soldiers in Europe, including segregated units, sparked aspirations for civil rights upon return.

X. War Aftermath

  • Impact of the War

    • The end of World War I transitioned into the aggressive reshaping of European borders and the emergence of new nations.

    • President Wilson's Fourteen Points and League of Nations met significant resistance domestically, especially regarding American sovereignty.

  • Postwar Instabilities

    • Racial tensions escalated into violence during the Red Summer of 1919, with returning Black soldiers advocating for their rights amidst a backlash.

    • The aftermath of World War I not only changed geopolitics but also laid the foundation for socio-political issues, including an emerging Red Scare and a tumultuous return to normalcy.