World War I, (1914-20) and the USAS involvement

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Causes of the First World War

Origins = competition over trade, colonies,

allies, armaments started between competitive nations Germany (Triple Alliance) rival England (Triple Many Americans see Germany as threat because militarism

Entente) for world leadership

of their:
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The USA in War One

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Which Side did America support?

Initially Americas President Woodrow Wilson proclaim neutrality in the war However full neutrality was not possible because: (1) American ethnic groups took sides (2) Wilson and advisers = pro-Allies: as they saw Germany as threat to civilization (3) US-England trade (arms, loans, exports etc) grow
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trade drop;

Wilsonianism included the following ideologies: USA will lead toward peaceful world:

free trade capitalism democracy open diplomacy fewer arms no empires

Wilson believed staying out of the War was a necessity as he believed it was the USAs destiny to save world. 6/9/12

Neutrality Violations by America

Wilson did not want to enter war however he was caught in a crossfire: England violate neutral rights:

seize cargoes for Germany (take property) via submarines (take lives)

Germany try to stop trade with England:

Wilson demand Germany follow strict interpretation of international law whilst not
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England to do the same

Secretary Bryans Resignation

German Submarines sank a passenger ship , Lusitania in 1915:

take 1198 lives (128 Americans) contraband (ammo) on ship

Secretary of State, William Jennings Bryan advocates for no Americans on belligerent ships However Wilson undermines him and asserts the right to sail on any ships
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resign; some call him traitor

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Peace, Unrestricted Sub Warfare & the consequences

Many American Citizens fear costs and consequences of entering the war. Thus peace was advocated. However on February 1917, Germany take calculated risk:

And declare a full submarine war as they believed they would be able to defeat Allies before US entry

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War Message and War Declaration (April, 1917)

The USA see Germany:

as violating neutral and human rights Make world safe for democracy Ideas and interests require German defeat The the USA must enter war in order to shape peace/postwar world

By 1917, Wilson assumes:

Support from preparedness groups:

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Entering the war & its consequences

4.8 million Americans serve Machine guns, poison gas, etc. kill large numbers of 1 million casualties at Somme, 1916 Many American Fighters suffer shell shock US men/materials:

American soldiers

tip balance in the Ententes favour & end stalemate

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End of War and its Consequences

Germany finally accepts armistice (Nov. 1918) 16.6 million die (6.6 million = civilians) 21.3 million wounded USA losses:

after:

53,000 combat dead 62,000 die from disease 200,000 wounded wrecked European economy and 4 empires

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Paris Conference and the Treaty

Allies seek harsh peace and spoils of war Treaty of Versailles is drawn up:

Triple Alliance is forced to pay reparations/war guilt Allies gain colonies (mandates) from losers British: Iraq, Palestine French: Syria, Lebanon Create anti-Soviet nations in East Europe

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