What Role Did the United States play in World War I?

1. What Role Did the United States play in World War I? United States History & Government 11th Grade Boys/Girls 21 December 2019

2. U.S. Joined the War • A U-Boat Sank British Ship Lusitania killing 128 Americans • Germany’s announcement that it would sink all ships in British Water • British interception of Zimmerman Notes

3. U.S. Preparation for the War • Congress passed the Selective Service Act • Military draft was initiated to recruit 3 million men • African Americans served in separate units • Women were recruited by navy for non-combatant posts • Served as nurses, secretaries, telephone operators • U.S. built ships using prefabrication method

4. How did U.S. Help the Allies • Convoy system to reduce loss of merchant ships • American soldiers provided fresh blood to the allies • American Expeditionary Force (doughboys) was led by General John J. Pershing

5. Weapons of the War • Tanks and airplanes • Eddie Rickenbacker – an American ace pilot • Fought 34 air battles and shot down 26 enemy planes. • New weapons and tactics made soldiers life miserable • Filth, trench foot, trench mouth, “shellshock”, vermin, poison gas and disease

6. American Offensive and Armistice • Americans arrived just before German offensive against Paris. • Alvin York, a former conscientious objector, became a hero. • On November 11, 1918 Germany agreed to an armistice. • 22 million killed….and an untold amount of sufferings.

7. Homework • Questions 1, 2, & 3 on page 593

8. War’s Impact on American Economy • Government Controlled the Economy • War Industries Board run by Bernard M. Baruch • Railroad Administration Controlled the Railroads • The Fuel Administration watched over the use of coal, gasoline, & heating oil • National War Labor Board worked to settle the dispute between workers and management & helped to improve labor conditions • Food Administration helped produce and conserve food supplies • Encouraged people to grow their own food

9. Government Tactics to sell the war • Several taxes were imposed and bonds were sold • Volunteers sold the bond • Famous people spoke at rallies • Newspapers and billboards carried advertisements for free • The Committee on Public Information was created to do propaganda

10. Controlling Civil Liberties • Anti-immigrant feelings were high • Germans were discriminated • Espionage and Sedition Act was passed • Anti-war people were punished • 6000 arrests and 1500 convictions • Socialists and Union Leaders were the main target • Violated the First Amendment Greatly