Chapter 21: World War I and Its Aftermath

I. Introduction

• World War I Overview

  • Also referred to as “The Great War”.

  • Totals empires, creates nations and ignites future tensions.

  • Modern weaponry causes massive casualties, impacting an entire generation of men.

  • United States enters the conflict in 1917, leading to transformative changes.

  • War establishes the U.S. as a global military power and advances American progressivism.

  • Unleashes repression, stirring national pride and disenchantment.

  • Sets the stage for future global conflicts, including a global depression and World War II.

II. Prelude to War

• The Rise of the German Empire

  • End of the 19th century sees Germany’s growing power and influence.

  • Diplomatic maneuvers initially stabilize Europe.

• Wilhelm II's Reign

  • Ascends to the German throne in 1888, wanting to rival British power.

  • Attempts to build a German navy and acquire colonies, increasing tensions.

  • Viewed as a strategic threat by Britain, prompting a series of new alliances.

• Formation of the Triple Entente

  • Russia and France ally against the perceived threat from the Triple Alliance: Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy.

  • Britain's later agreements with Russia and France lead to mutual support.

• Austro-Hungarian Interests

  • Concerns over Slavic movements in the Balkans; the empire seeks territorial expansion.

  • Serbian nationalism presents a direct challenge to Austro-Hungarian control.

• Flashpoint of War

  • Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand by Serbian Gavrilo Princip on June 28, 1914.

  • Leads to escalating tensions and declarations of war.

• U.S. Neutrality and Focus on Domestic Affairs

  • U.S. historically avoids foreign alliances; engaged in the expansion of its economy.

  • President Washington’s advice against foreign entanglement emphasized.

• Limited Military Capability

  • Small military, insufficient for major engagement.

  • Naval expansion efforts initiated in the late 1800s, but army lacked organization and funding.

III. War Spreads through Europe

• Initial Conflicts

  • Austria declares war on Serbia on July 28, 1914, after ultimatum rejection.

  • Russia mobilizes to protect Serbia, prompting Germany to declare war on Russia on August 1, 1914.

• Violation of Neutrality

  • Germany’s attack on Belgium leads to British intervention on August 4, 1914.

• Stalemate and Trench Warfare

  • By 1915, the war devolves into trench warfare, with massive casualties and limited gains for both sides.

• The Russian Collapse

  • Tsar Nicholas II's regime falls in 1917, leading to Russia’s exit from the war.

  • This scenario offers Germany the opportunity for a focused assault on the Western Front.

IV. America Enters the War

• American Involvement

  • Wilson’s administration shifts perception of war necessity post-Zimmerman Telegram revealing German attempts to work with Mexico against U.S. interests.

• Conditions of U.S. Military

  • Initial military preparations inefficient and delayed; reliance on volunteers rather than conscription.

  • Labor unions advocate for voluntary service over forced conscription.

• Selective Service Act of 1917

  • Designed to avoid controversial draft practices, leading to compulsory military service for men ages 21 to 30.

• Health Screening of Recruits

  • Army provides insight into the physical condition of drafted men, revealing high rates of rejection due to defects.

• Racial Segregation in Military

  • Black soldiers face discrimination; often relegated to non-combat roles.

  • W.E.B. Du Bois advocates for black participation in the war effort.

V. On the Homefront

• Initial Detachment from War Events

  • Progressive reformation dominates early politics in America, leading to a lack of awareness on foreign conflicts.

• Growing International Involvement

  • By 1916, U.S. trade with Allies vastly increases while trade with Central Powers diminishes.

  • Wilson implements a propaganda program led by the Creel Committee to spawn support for the war.

• Legislative Restrictions on Dissent

  • Espionage Act (1917) and Sedition Act (1918) serve to suppress opposition against the war.

• Financial Contributions

  • Americans encouraged to buy war bonds to support military efforts.

VI. Before the Armistice

• Naval Blockades

  • U.S. accelerates naval support, countering submarine threats posed by Germany.

• American Presence in Europe

  • American forces begin to arrive in significant numbers, directly impacting German strategies.

• Russia's Withdrawal

  • Russia exits the war in 1918, allowing Germany to concentrate forces elsewhere.

VII. The War and the Influenza Pandemic

• Influenza Outbreak

  • Begins spreading in military camps in Spring 1918, eventually infecting millions.

  • Second wave proves deadlier, disproportionately affecting younger populations.

• Impact on Military

  • During the pandemic, more soldiers die from influenza than from combat.

VIII. The Fourteen Points and the League of Nations

• Wilson’s Vision

  • Advocates for the formation of the League of Nations as part of a comprehensive plan for post-war peace.

  • Covenant includes a call for collective security among nations.

• Treaty of Versailles

  • Final agreements demanding reparations from Germany, though Wilson's initial points are met with skepticism by European leaders.

IX. Aftermath of World War I

• Redrawing of National Borders

  • The dissolution of empires leads to the creation of new nations but creates internal tensions.

• Postwar Tensions

  • American society grapples with racial tensions leading to the Red Summer of 1919 and subsequent riots, fueled by economic competition and fear.

X. Conclusion

• Significant Historical Impact

  • World War I and its aftermath set the stage for future conflicts, including WWII and the realization of enduring tensions worldwide.

• Transformation of American Society

  • The war shifts American public consciousness around race, class, and governmental authority, leading to an uncertain future.