The Great War and the Great Epidemic Notes

Causes of WWI and U.S. Response

• Austria-Hungary’s Archduke Franz Ferdinand's assassination triggered mutual defense treaties.
• Most Americans initially neutral; U.S. initially benefited from trade.

U.S. Enters the War

• Stronger American cultural ties to England.
• Sinking of American ships (e.g., Lusitania) by German U-boats.
• Zimmerman Telegram.
• Revolution in Russia.
• U.S. joined in 1917.

Effects of War at Home

• Increased international involvement.
• Increased taxes due to 16th Amendment.
• Draft implementation.
• Discrimination against non-Anglo Americans and those with radical leftist politics (Espionage and Sedition Acts, First Red Scare, Palmer Raids).

The "Spanish" Flu

• Circulated globally, starting near the end of the war.
• Estimated death toll: 25-50 million, possibly more.

Wilson’s Vision Fails

• Wilson aimed for WWI to be "the War to End All Wars."
• Advocated for the League of Nations, open trade, self-determination, and lighter reparation demands.
• Efforts failed due to European aims and domestic political opposition.

War’s Legacy in the States

• U.S. on the winning side with minimal direct impact.
• Increased national pride.
• Shift towards isolationism.
• Contributed to the 19th Amendment.
• Expanded federal government powers.
• Established groundwork for future economic and social changes.