The American Yawp Chapter 21: World War I and Its Aftermath

Prelude to War

• International Alliances: 1914 saw Europe divided into two main alliances:

  • Triple Entente (Allies): Britain, France, Russia

  • Triple Alliance (Central Powers): Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy

• Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand: His assassination by Serbian separatists ignited tensions, leading to declarations of war.

• Escalation of Conflict: The assassination led Germany to declare war on France, prompting Britain to enter the conflict, followed by Russia and Austria-Hungary. By mid-1914, major powers were embroiled in war.

American Involvement

• Initial Neutrality: President Wilson urged Americans to remain neutral despite sympathies towards Britain and the impact of the British blockade.

• Lusitania Incident: The sinking of the Lusitania by German U-boats resulted in the death of 1,198 civilians, including 128 Americans, turning public sentiment against Germany.

• Political Debate: Domestic politics saw a divide between pacifists and interventionists; Wilson narrowly won re-election in 1916 under the slogan "He Kept Us Out of War."

Shift Towards War

• Wilson's Justification: 1917, Wilson proposed a league of nations to maintain peace. Germany escalated tensions by resuming unrestricted submarine warfare.

• Zimmerman Telegram: Intercepted in February 1917, it revealed a German proposal enticing Mexico to ally against the U.S. if war broke out, further inflaming public opinion.

• Russian Revolution: A republican government in Russia made America’s potential alliance with the Allies more palatable.

• Declaration of War: On April 2, 1917, after further German attacks on American ships, Congress declared war.

Mobilization and Military Actions

• Selective Service Act: Passed in May 1917, drafted over three million American men into service.

• American Expeditionary Force: Fresh troops helped the Allies push back against German advances, leading to a request for an armistice from Germany on November 11, 1918.

Warfare and Technology

• Trench Warfare: A hallmark of WWI characterized by the use of trenches due to the lethality of machine guns and new military technologies.

• Casualties: Approximately 9 million European participants died, contrasted with 112,000 American deaths, many due to a flu epidemic.

• Economic Management: The U.S. government spent $32 billion on the war, marking a significant rise in federal spending. Liberty Bonds and new taxes financed war efforts.

• War Boards: Established to ensure military supply needs without crippling the economy.

Propaganda and Dissent

• Committee on Public Information: Organized extensive propaganda campaigns to support the war, utilizing advertisements and censored journalism.

• Espionage and Sedition Acts: These laws stifled dissent, prohibiting anti-war sentiments and leading to the arrest of over 1,500 individuals, particularly targeting socialist groups.

• Racial Tensions: Black soldiers returned from the war, exacerbating racial tensions as white Americans reacted violently, leading to the formation of black nationalism.

Post-War Challenges

• Economic Turmoil: After the war, the U.S. faced inflation and unemployment, leading to nationwide strikes, including a significant police strike in Boston.

• Racial Violence: The post-war era saw dramatic racial violence, exemplified by the Chicago race riots during the summer of 1919.

• Communist Fear: The Russian Revolution sparked fears of communism in the U.S., leading to government crackdowns and the Red Scare.

• Civil Liberties: The ACLU emerged in response to government overreach during the Red Scare, defending civil rights and free speech.

Wilson's Vision and the Treaty of Versailles

• Fourteen Points: Wilson’s postwar vision included adjustment of borders, principles for international relations, and the establishment of a League of Nations.

• Paris Peace Conference: Wilson faced opposition as European leaders sought to punish Germany, limiting the impact of his proposals.

• Treaty of Versailles: Despite his efforts, Wilson's treaty faced rejection in the U.S. Senate, ultimately leading to his health deterioration.

Conclusion and Aftermath

• Return to Normalcy: The election of Warren G. Harding in 1920 signified a retreat from progressive ideals, emphasizing a return to normalcy after the tumultuous war years.