Turning Point Ending World War I (1)

Turning Point: Ending World War I

• Compelling Question: How did people seek to prevent another world war after 1919?

• Historical Context:

  • World War I erupted in Europe in the summer of 1914.

  • The U.S. initially tried to remain neutral, with a divided public regarding support.

  • Incidents like German U-boat attacks prompted President Wilson to ask Congress for a war declaration in April 1917.

  • The conflict ended on November 11, 1918, with an armistice signed by Germany, resulting in approximately 20 million military and civilian deaths.

  • The aftermath left Europe devastated, necessitating peace negotiations at the Paris Peace Conference in January 1919.

Analyzing Primary and Secondary Sources

• Purpose: Examine primary and secondary sources regarding the end of World War I, treaty making, and the League of Nations.

• Graphic Organizer: Record how each source answers supporting questions.

  • Example Structure:

    • Supporting Primary Source

      • How this source helps to answer the Supporting Question.

      • Question 1:

      • Question 2:

      • Question 3:

The Committee on Public Information (CPI)

• Formed by President Wilson to promote support for the war effort.

• Chaired by journalist George Creel:

  • Organized multiple divisions for effective propaganda efforts.

• Key Divisions:

  • Speaking Division: Trained 'Four-Minute Men' for brief speeches.

  • Film Division: Produced newsreels to bolster public support.

  • Foreign Language Division: Monitored ethnic newspapers to ensure proper messaging.

  • Advertising Division: Secured ad space for war bond campaigns and recruitment.

  • Pictorial Publicity Division: Created iconic war imagery, such as Uncle Sam's "I WANT YOU" poster.

• Creel saw the CPI as a publicity initiative, aiming to shape public perception through extensive propaganda techniques.

The Fourteen Points and the League of Nations

• Fourteen Points: Presented by Wilson in January 1918, outlining a vision for post-war peace based on transparency, diplomacy, and international cooperation.

  • Focused on open covenants and equitable treatment of all nations.

• League of Nations: Formed post-war to promote cooperation and prevent future wars.

  • Included stipulations for mutual defense and respect for treaties and international law.

• Treaty of Versailles: Signed in January 1919, imposed reparations on Germany but accepted aspects of the Fourteen Points.

• Key Provisions:

  • Establishment of the League as a mechanism for maintaining peace.

  • Members committed to protect each other’s territorial integrity against aggression.

Senate Opposition and Conclusion

• Despite including the League in the Treaty negotiations, many opposed it, fearing loss of U.S. sovereignty.

• President Wilson campaigned for ratification but faced Congressional resistance; the treaty was not ratified.

• League of Nations commenced in 1920 without U.S. membership due to opposition.

• Evaluate Sources:

  • Assess sources used to answer the Compelling Question.

  • Consider credibility, background information, and potential biases.

• Communication of Conclusions:

  • Write a letter regarding the Senate's decision against the League, using evidence from primary sources to support your position.

Action Steps to Prevent Future Conflicts

• Creating a Proposal:

  • Brainstorm causes of conflict today, discussing proactive measures for prevention.

  • Record ideas in a structured proposal and present orally or through multimedia.