world war one. america’s entry into war deteriorating german/american relations: u-boat activity...
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World War One
America’s Entry Into War
Deteriorating German/American relations:U-Boat activityStatements by Kaiser Wilhelm IItreatment of Belgiumimpact of propaganda
America sympathizes with Allies; not ready to enter war
The Zimmermann NoteTelegram sent from German
ambassador to MX; proposes alliance against US
Denied by both Ger. and MX; discovered by British agents
Impact:
Germans break the Sussex Pledge, resume sinking ships without warning
German Ambassador Arthur Zimmermann
Final breaking point with Germany; Kaiser prepares for war with America
America Declares War (April 2, 1917)
US formally breaks relations after 6 US ships sunk, with over 200 casualties. Also Britain and France appeal to Wilson for help
America Prepares for War
Wilson reorganizes American society for war; greatest degree of govt. control in history.
Attempts to sell war as a “war to end all wars” and to “make the world safe for democracy”.
Makes war a “moral crusade”; ex. The Fourteen Points
The Fourteen Points (Jan., 1918)Wilson’s goals for the war:“freedom of the seas” – no U-
boats or blockades“reduction of worldwide trade
barriers” – increases economic alliances
“self-determination for imperial holdings” – colonies should govern themselves
“self-determination for Austria-Hungary”
no secret treatiesre-creation of Polandarms and naval limitations
Copy of Wilson’s speech on the 14 Points
The League of Nations
The 14th and most important Point; Wilson sacrifices all else for “an association of nations” for “collective security”; a multinational alliance between nations
US Prepares for War
Government organizes propaganda campaign to generate support for the war
Committee on Public Information – designed to give “news” on info on the war
Use of propaganda; control of news media
Use of Propaganda FilmsUse of the new film industry to promote the war; both newsreels and Hollywood movies used
George Creel
The Espionage and Sedition Acts
Meant to suppress anti-war efforts or speeches
Acts deemed as “un-American” could mean jail or deportation, suspended First Amendment
Eugene Debs arrested, sentenced to life in prison, later pardoned by Pres. Harding
The War Industries BoardAn attempt to put US economy
toward a war basis
All production toward war effort
Wages, prices and production controlled by Board
Led by Bernard Baruch
The War Industries BoardUse of women in war
factoriesLed to passage of 19th
AmendmentWomen also used to sell
the war and sell bonds
The Food Administration
Organized food conservation efforts and the planting of “liberty gardens”
The Food Administration
Relied on appeals and propaganda campaigns
Paying for the War War financed through borrowing
(the “liberty bond”)
Sold billions of $$
Use of celebrities
The Draft4 million drafted; 2 mil. sent to combat; poorly
trained; lack of equipment, officers