Download World War I (1914

FCPS U.S./Virginia History SOL Standards: VUS 9b
World War I (1914-1918)
You mean the United States was involved in a global war?
Who Fought?
World War I began in
Europe in 1914 after
the assassination
of Austrian Archduke
Franz Ferdinand. The
Central Powers of
Germany, AustriaHungary, the Ottoman
Empire, and Bulgaria
went to war against the
Allied Powers made up
of Britain, France, and
Russia. Italy joined the
Allied Powers in 1915. Map of U.S. territorial expansion across the North American Continent. Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:WW1-re.png
These European powers were empires and had territories around the world. The territories were forced partners with their
European “mother country.” This relationship made the war a global affair. In 1917, the Russians withdrew from the war
because of a civil war in their country. For three years, America officially remained neutral but did lend and sell weapons
to the Allied Powers. Many Americans did not want to get dragged into what they saw as a European war. However, in
1917 the US officially entered the war on the side of the allies.
Why Did the United States Enter the War?
Several events eventually convinced America to enter the war on the Allied side. First,
German U-boats were attacking ships in the Atlantic bringing supplies to the British. When
the Lusitania, a British cruise ship, was torpedoed in 1915, over 1,000 people were killed
including over 100 Americans. In response, Germany promised not to target passenger
liners, but in 1917 it again adopted a policy of unrestricted submarine warfare.
Second, the United States considered Germany its chief rival in the Caribbean Sea.
The two nations competed for control over Haiti. The U.S. eventually become
dominant in Haiti and occupied the nation from 1915-1934.
Portrait of President Woodrow Wilson
Source: http://www.pierrederuelle.com/wp-content/
uploads/2012/04/President_Woodrow_Wilson_portrait_
December_2_1912.jpg
A third major reason for America entering the war was the discovery of the Zimmermann
Telegram. The secret message was sent from Germany to Mexico asking Mexico to
join the war as Germany’s ally against the United States. In return, Germany would help
Mexico recover the territories of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. Many Americans
were outraged and on April 6, 1917, President Woodrow Wilson asked Congress to
declare war on Germany and “make the world safe for democracy.”
America’s Effect on the War
The United States had a small army, but in May 1917, the Selective Service Act was passed which allowed the government
to begin conscription. Eventually, almost 3 million American men were drafted. The war had been going on in Europe
for over three years, so the arrival of fresh American troops had a motivating effect on war-weary Allied troops. American
soldiers arrived in Europe at the rate of 10,000 a day and helped turn back German offensives along the Western Front.
Finally, victory over the Central Powers was achieved on November 11, 1918, when an armistice was signed with Germany.
FCPS HS Social Studies © 2012
World War I (1914-1918)
(cont.) FCPS U.S./Virginia History SOL Standards: VUS 9b
Results of the War
World War I, also known as The Great War and the War to End all Wars,
introduced new and deadly weapons into modern warfare. Poison gas, the
tank, and more accurate artillery led to a high casualty total-over 8 million dead
and 20 million wounded. The United States lost 50,000 soldiers in combat.
While the war was coming to an end, President Wilson was outlining his
plan to guarantee a lasting peace after the war which he nicknamed the
“14 Points.” Key points included self-determination for colonies, freedom
of the seas, reducing the size of armies, and a League of Nations to solve
disputes diplomatically.
Photo of British Vickers machine gun crew during the Battle of
Menin Road Ridge, World War I
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Vickers_IWW.jpg
The French and British, however, wanted to punish Germany for the war. At
the signing of the Treaty of Versailles to officially end the war, they insisted Germany accept full responsibility for the war
and Germany was forced to pay billions of dollars in reparations. The nations did agree to create the League of Nations
and the Treaty was signed in June 1919.
However, when President Wilson returned to America, Congress refused to ratify the Treaty because it objected to
foreign policy decisions being made by an international organization, not U.S. leaders. Therefore America never joined
the League of Nations, which was too weak to resolve some future crises.
Key Vocabulary
Neutral: not taking part or choosing a side
U-boat: a German submarine
Unrestricted submarine warfare:
submarines sink any ship without warning
Armistice: an agreement to stop fighting
Western Front: stretch of battlefield along the
French & German border
Diplomatically: through negotiation rather
than fighting
Self-determination: countries have a right to
choose their political status
Reparations: payments for a wrong-doing, such
as a war
League of Nations: international organization for
world peace
Ratify: officially approve a law or treaty
2. Why did America join the Allied side?
3. How did the Selective Service Act
prepare America for war?
Quick Review
1. What is the best title for this graphic?
?
Reparations
to Allies
Forced to accept
blame for the war
A. Many Americans had a German heritage.
B. England supported American trade.
C. Germany attempted to get Mexico
to invade.
D. Americans felt closer to the Allies.
A. Provided for conscription
B. Became more isolated
C. Retaliated against Britain
D. Began a period of conflict
A. America’s plan for Germany
B. The 14 Points
C. Punishments for Germany
D. France’s plan for England
FCPS HS Social Studies © 2012