American Politics

Split Republican party allows Woodrow Wilson to become president.

He possesses conviction for strong morals and that God’s sovereign direction moves the universe.

Wilson instills the moral ideals in his foreign policy; America should be the “moral leader” among the nations of the world.

“NEW” Manifest Destiny to promote American political ideals through example and persuasion

American Foreign policy involved supporting the opposition of brutal leaders to hopefully allow “moral” democracies to be established. (Mexico, Caribbean Conflict)

Nationalism –Grows in the countries of Europe and around the world.

This combined W/ the belief in self-rule by some radical groups leads to tensions & actions inevitably leading to war.

The beginning of war

Assassination of Archduke Francis Ferdinand of Austria by Serbian radicals –Austria believes assassination is ordered by the Serbian Government

Eventually Austria declares war on Serbia and Russia fears this is an attempt to eventually expand into

Russian territory (Balkans) so they mobilize their army

Germany feels it prudent to act first ask questions later and they declare war July 30

France mobilizes because they fear German aggression / mobilization and Germany responds by “acting” again and declares war on France

Germans implement their Schliefen Plan which is waging war on two fronts

Invasion through neutral Belgium to defeat France

British ties to Belgium lead to British involvement in the war against Germany

Germans invade through Belgium despite their neutrality and push to the gates of Paris

The invasion grinds to a halt --supply lines can’t keep up w/ the advancing troops beginning of trench warfare begins

American Neutrality

Melting Pot Problems

French ties to our American Revolutionary War

German immigrants in the country make up a large population

British roots tied America back to the colonial times

Trade

American economic ties were strong before the war, but got stronger during the war. Why?

American economic ties to the Central Powers all but ceased

Americans were in a economic position of Pro-Allies Neutrality

Submarine Warfare

Germans need to cripple the British and French Supplies which come from _____________(which country).

The attacks by the Germans can only take place in the _____________(term for ocean battle “zone”).

Sinking of the Lusitania –What action did Germany take?, How did Americans react?

Wilson resisted the _________ _________(group of people) because he knew ______________ was too divided.

What did the sinking of the Lusitania change in the American relationship with Germany?

“Sussex Pledge” –explain the situation

Wilson wins another presidential election on the campaign that “He kept us out of war.”

Germany realizes it cannot allow the relationship of Britain and France to continue with America so they begin Unrestricted Submarine Warfare and the “Sussex Pledge” is the card that Wilson now must play.

War

Zimmerman Telegram –Germany’s attempt to involve Mexico in a fight against America on our home front

America is in WW I on April 6, 1917

American Preparation

Poorly prepared –America needs to raise an army and equip it quickly

Selective Service Act is the method for recruitment –still exists today (everyone needs to register with selective service when they turn 18)

Draft –originally 18-30 but eventually 18-45

Training is poor –know T. R’s description

Hooverizing to provide food an supplies for our troops and the troops of the Allies

War touches every area of life (liberty dogs = German shepherds)

Many of our men become “doughboys” over-there

Defense on the home front –Espionage and Sedition Acts –makes it illegal to oppose the action of the United States Government

Elimination of free-speech

Battle

Just before the American’s entered the war Lenin takes control of Russia and finds peace with the Germans allowing the troops of the East to join with those of the West and make a final attempt at winning the war

Americans under “Black Jack” Pershing reinforced the French who were about to break just in time and raised the moral of the French as well.

The German’s make a last attempts

The North against combined French and British troops but it fails

They attack in the South against the French using (blitzkrieg style of war) and get to 50 miles from Paris and the French are reinforced by Americans.

These are the two final attacks by the Germans, now the Allies soon go on the slow counter attack

The Battle of the Argonne is the last major battle that turns the tide for the Germans and they feel they cannot win the war anymore –they negotiate for peace

An Armistice is signed at the 11^th hour of the 11^th day of the 11^th month in 1918

Solutions and Treaty The big Four –U.S., France, Britain, Italy (Wilson, Clemenceau, Lloyd George, Orlando)

Wilson wants peace for the rest of history, but Fr. G.B. and Italy want revenge and payment for the cost of the war that “Germany” started (Italy is just taking advantage of the situation)

Germany was not allowed to be involved in the determining the terms of the Treaty of Versailles

Is this fair negotiation?

France wanted

Italy wanted

Great Britain wanted

Treaty for Germany involved

“war-guilt” clause. What was the blank check type role it played?

Reparations Payments –Explain

America and the rejection of the League of Nations –leads to the failure of the League of Nations

You must understand the events with the league.