When the first world war erupted in July 19 14 few in the United State could have imagined that their country would one day become a devisive force in ending it. Europe had plunged into Chaos after the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in Sarajevo, which triggered A chain reaction of alliances, declaration of war, and mobilizations. The Central Power– primary Germany, Austria – hungry, and later the Ottoman Empire stood against the alliance power, which include Britain, France, Russia, and eventually Italy. At first, the conflict look like a purely European struggle. America watch from across the Atlantic, officially neutral, with President woodrow Wilson famously promising to keep the country out of foreign and entanglements.
A War Without End
By1916, however, the war had settled into a brutal stalemate. The Western front was a nightmare of trenches, barbed wire, and endless artillery fire. Millions of man died for mere yards of ground. Britain and France were bleeding, while Russia was on the verge of collapse under the weight of both military defeats and internal revolution. Germany, although blockaded by the British Navy, was still holding strong buoyed by superior organization and the introduction of new tactics, including unrestricted submarine warfare.
during these years, America become known as “the great arsenal,” supplying food, weapon and loan to the alliance without directly entering the battlefield. Wilson’s policy reflected the popular mode Americans were divided. many Germans and irish- Americans opposed helping Britain, while other wanted to support France and democracy. The nation, vest and distance to remove to risk blood in a European quarrel.
The Turning Point-Why America Entered
two events in early 1917 pushed America from neutrality to war. First war Germanys’ decision to resume unrestricted submarine warfare. German U-boats begin sinking not only British vessels but also neutral ships carrying American passenger and goods. The infamous sinking of the Lusitania in 1915 had already stirred outrage, but continue attack made neutrality seem like surrender.
the second Spark was the Zimmermann Telegram. In January 1917 the British intelligence intercepted a secret German message proposing an alliance with Mexico. If the US entered the war against Germany, Mexico was encouraged to invade the United state, with the promising of reclaiming Texas, New Mexico and Arizona. When Wilson revealed this to the public, it ignited a wave of anger. The idea that Germany was floating against America itself was too much to ignore. on April 6 1917, the U.S. Congress declared was on Germany.
Alliance and Enemies
by the time America entered, the side were clear. Allies: Britain, France, Italy,(who had switched side from its former alliance with Germany), and briefly, Russia until it’s revolution forced it’s exist. Enemies: Germany, Austria – hungry, and the Ottoman Empire. For the Allies, american involvement felt like the arrival of fresh hope. For Germany, it meant facing note only tired European armies but also a new, energetic power with the immense resources.
American soldier -nickname – “doughboys” – begin arriving in Europe in 1917, though it took months to mobilize. General John J. Pershing lead the American expeditionary forces, insisting that you don’t U.S. troops fight as a distinct army rather than being absorbed into British and France unit. By mid 1918, over two millions Americans were in Europe, tipping the balance at a critical time when the allies were exhausted
Changing the Fact of the War
Germany had launch it last great offensive in the spring of 1918, hoping to win before Americans number become over whelming. At first, German groups surged forward, but then came the counterattack. At battle such as Cantigny, Chateauthierry, and the Meuse-Argonne Offensive American troops proved themselves. their fresh energy, combined with supplies, broke the stalemate that had lasted for bloody year. By November 1918, German realized the war was unwinnable. On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11 month the armistice was signed.
the allies were victorious and America’s late entry was a major region why. As a British prime minister David Lloyd George later admitted, “without America, the allies could not have won the war”‘
how Each Side View the Other
During the war, propaganda painted sharp line between friend and foe. Germans were often depicted as “Huns” ruthless and bar barbaric while Germany mocked the U.S. as materialistic and naive. Among Allies, Americans were welcome as “saviors from across the sea” though sometimes viewed with skepticism by battle-hardened European Soldier’s. Soldier’s letters reveal admiration for American enthusiasm but also frustrations at their inexperience. over time. however, camaraderie grew in the trenches.
Writer and Thinker on the Wars Meaning
many historians and authors have debated by World war I happen and what America gained Barbara Tuchman’s The Guns of August describe how miscalculations by European leader created a disaster that spiraled out of control. Christopher Clark, in The Sleepwalkers, that the war was less about a single villain and more about a chain of blunders by many nations. for America, some writers like John Keegan emphasized the emergency of the U.S. as a global power, while others such as Howard Zinn critiqued the war as being fought more for economic interested then for democracy.
Benefit and Consequence
the immediate benefit for the allies was survival. Without America, Germany might have dictated peace in 1918. For America, the war marked the beginning of its role as world leader. however, the cost was steep: over 116,000 American soldier died, the peace that followed the treaty of Versailles – sowed resentment in Germany, setting the stage for World war II