The US joins the war

The Lusitania- 1915

German Submarines had a habit of targeting civilian passenger ships. In 1915 they sank the Lusitania. The USA threatened war until Germany agreed to surface and allow civilians to get into life boats.

In 1917 German resumed unrestricted submarine warfare.

Zimmerman NoteGermany sent a telegram to their ambassador in Mexico offering a deal.

If the US entered the war, Germany asked Mexico to attack the US. In return, Germany would give back their “lost territory” in Arizona, New Mexico and Texas.”

Resulted in public outrage and anti-German feelings

How does the artist feel about the Zimmerman telegram?

War is Declared

The United States declares war in April 1917. After months of recruiting and training, the first US troops reach Europe in 1918.

The troops were confident in their abilities and their

cause: “To make the world safe for democracy”

Over ThereThe popular American song, “over There”, showcased American confidence and energy for the war. This is a propaganda song, meant to increase support for the cause.

Johnnie get your gun, get your gun, get your gunJohnnie show the Hun you're a son of a gunHoist the flag and let her flyYankee Doodle do or die

Over there, over thereSend the word, send the word over thereThat the Yanks are coming, the Yanks are comingThe drums are rum-tumming everywhere

So prepare, say a prayerSend the word, send the word to bewareWe'll be over there, we're coming overAnd we won't come back till it's over over there.Over there.

President WilsonWilson regretted having to go to war. However, he saw it as an opportunity to promote peace using is 14 points:-An end to secret treaties-freedom of the seas-large scale reduction of arms-self-determination (People can choose their own government)-National association to keep the peace diplomatically

Winning the War

In March 1918- Germany launches an offensive to push allies back. They push them into France 40 miles.

July 1918- the Allies begin a slow offensive back.

By September the German generals are telling Kaiser Wilhelm that the war is lost.

On November 11, 1918 The new German government asks for an Armistace (Agreement to end fighting)

Cost of the war-8.5 million dead, soldiers and civilians-17 million wounded or handicapped-Famines throughout Europe (a result of all resources going to the war)-millions of homes, farms, factories and roads are destroyed.

*in 1918 the world is hit with a flu epidemic. Nearly 20 million die.*

The sheer number of lives lost left the world in chaos. All the war weary parties are ready to move on and recover.

The Big ThreePresident Wilson- believed in peace without victory. Pushed his fourteen points

and League of Nations

David Lloyd George- promised the people they would live in a Britain “Fit for heroes”. Planned for Germany to pay for the war and repairs.

Georges Clemenceau- wanted to weaken Germany so it could never again threaten France.

Treaty of Versailles June 1919

“The Allied Governments affirm, and Germany accepts, the responsibility of Germany and her allies for causing all the loss and damage to which the Allied Governments and their nationals have been subjected as a consequence of the war imposed on them by the aggression of Germany and her allies.”

Treaty of Versailles June 1919

-Germany accepts responsibility for the war

-Germany responsible for reparations for the damages$30 BILLION

-Limited Germany military

-Alsace and Lorraine go back to France

Germany has no choice but to sign. This treaty makes resentment grow.

Peace Terms

You’ve got to swallow it whether

you like it or not

League of NationsWilson envisioned an association of nations working together to end war. Using diplomacy issues could be resolved before war began.

The US senate refused to join, fearing it would drag the US into another war because the league was sworn to take “common action against any aggressor state.”

Map page 2951) How was Poland created?

2) Which nation formerly occupied Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania?

3) Which side spent more on the war, the Allies or the Central Powers?

It was freed from Russian rule after nearly 100 years.

Russia.

The Allies who spent nearly 95 Billion (not including the US). The Central Powers, even after reparations, spent nearly 75 Billion.