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Historiography of the causes of World War I wikipedia , lookup
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The Great War 1914 – 1918 Causes of WWI • the “MAIN” long-term causes of the First World War – militarism, alliances, imperialism, nationalism • Europe had become tangled in a web of military alliances – resulted in Triple Alliance (“Central Powers” & Italy) vs. Triple Entente (Allies) • outbreak of war sparked by assassination of Archduke Ferdinand – Wilson immediately declared U.S. neutrality upheld tradition of isolationism – naval blockades by both sides made U.S. neutrality difficult Background Info • several names used at the time to describe World War One – “The Great War” / “World War” / “The War to End All Wars” • Western Front became bloody stalemate defined by trench warfare – characterized by “no mans land” and charging “over the top” • several new weapons emerged that still influence modern warfare – – – – – modernized machine guns and artillery advanced submarines—especially German U-boats airplanes engaged in recon and “dogfights” extensive chemical warfare—chlorine & mustard gas British developed armored tank • more than 9 million military personnel killed during conflict – overall death toll estimates range from 15 to 65 million Long-range causes of U.S. Involvement • sinking of the Lusitania in 1915 outraged the American public – British passenger ship carrying 128 Americans—sunk by German U-boat – sinking of Arabic (1915) killed 2 Americans—Germany agreed to restrict attacks • Germany practiced restricted sub warfare until 1916 sinking of Sussex – threats by Wilson resulted in Sussex Pledge [M] (honored by Germany until 1917) • most Americans sympathized with Britain and France – economic/political ties and fear of German naval power • conflict caused humanitarian conditions to decline across Europe – many Americans felt obligated to help end starvation & disease Debate about America’s Role • Lusitania crisis led some Republicans (TR) to call for U.S. entry – but majority of Americans opposed U.S. involvement • Eastern Reps (TR) worried about the condition of the Army and Navy – sparked calls for “preparedness” greater defense expenditures – business leaders organized National Security League {preparedness campaign} • Wilson opposed the calls for preparedness at first – changed policy in late 1915 and got Congress to pass National Defense Act • Populists, Progressives, and Socialists led anti-war campaign – leading peace-minded Progressives = W.J. Bryan, Jane Addams, Jeanette Rankin – Jeanette Rankin became first woman to be elected to Congress in 1916 Immediate Causes of U.S. Involvement • Germans resumed unrestricted sub warfare in January 1917 – Wilson immediately broke diplomatic relations—but hesitated to declare war • German Foreign Secretary Zimmerman asked Mexico to attack U.S. – the Zimmerman Telegram represented direct threat to American public – 1917 Russian Revolution also made war a “fight to save democracy” • Wilson asked Congress to declare war in April 1917 – despite “He kept us out war” 1916 re-election campaign slogan U.S. Mobilization • U.S. created Committee on Public Info to inspire the “Home Front” – War Industries Board created to coordinate industrial and ag production – women and minorities replaced white male factory workers • 1917 Selective Service Act passed to authorize conscription – all adult males had to register for a military draft • CPI propaganda (G. Creel) encouraged public to conserve resources – people planted “victory gardens” and participated in “Meatless Mondays” – daylight savings time established to conserve energy Constitutional Issues • federal government expanded its power—similar to previous wars – large bureaucracy controlled communication, railroads, and industry • opposition to involvement led to restrictions on civil liberties – 1917 Espionage Act prevented use of mail system to interfere with war effort – 1918 Sedition Act made it illegal to speak out against any aspect of U.S. govt • Supreme Court upheld Espionage Act in Schenck v United States – Schenck was a prominent socialist that had mailed leaflets opposing draft – Justice Oliver Holmes said “clear and present danger” could suspend liberties • paranoia had increased after 1917 communist revolution in Russia – Radical labor unions (I.W.W.) and socialists (Debs) were branded as enemies – FBI created to prevent radicals from taking over America in WWI • Gen John J. Pershing led American Expeditionary Force to France – European Allies called them “doughboys” at first—due to inexperience – but the fresh, strong, & energized U.S. troops helped the Allies win WWI • U.S. troops played role in turning back the German advance on Paris – early contributions in battles of Château-Thierry and Belleau Wood – and a victory in the Argonne Forest helped force a massive German retreat • each side agreed to an Armistice in November 1918 – 11/11 became “Armistice Day”— later changed to “Veterans Day” The “Convoy System” • German U-boats were sinking hundreds of Allied supply ships • the U.S. used the convoy system for protection – warships and supply ships traveled together in large groups Wilson’s Post-war Vision • most of The Big Four sought revenge and to punish Germany – David Lloyd George (GB), Georges Clemenceau (FR), Vittorio Orlando (Italy) – in contrast, Wilson desired a “peace without victory” • Wilson had announced his “Fourteen Points” for peace in 1918 – end to secret treaties, freedom of the seas, and weapons reduction – new management of European colonies and self determination – also called for creation of a League of Nations caused controversy in U.S. Forging a Treaty • the Treaty of Versailles ended WWI by humiliating Germany – Allies forced Germany to accept full blame, forfeit land, and pay reparations – but they did create the League of Nations—that Wilson had envisioned • Versailles Treaty caused intense debate and division in Congress – – – – conflict fueled primarily by League of Nations, particularly Article X Senate split into 3 groups Dems, “Irreconcilables” and “Reservationists” Senator Henry Cabot Lodge (Reservationists) became loudest opposition U.S. didn’t sign the treaty or join the league renewed isolationism