A Era of ChangeThe students will examine the impact of

U.S. involvement in World War I and identify the key developments in the

aftermath of WWI.

WWI CausesMilitarism- The policy of glorifying military power

and keeping an army prepared for war. Romantic

Arms race- European countries began to try and out build each other, whoever had the largest Army or Navy was seen as powerful, becomes an “Ego Thing”.

Schlieffen Plan- a strategy by Germany to fight a two front war against Russia and France. It calls for Germany to attack France through Belgium, seize Paris, then turn and attack Russia.

WWI Causes cont’d..Alliance system- European nations feared and

distrusted each other, so to keep from “fighting” they created alliances to defend each other.

Triple Alliance- Germany, Austria-Hungary and Italy.

Triple Entente- France, Russia and Great Britain.

Problem?-

WWI Causes Cont’d….Nationalism- A deep devotion and pride to one’s

country.

Imperialism- Economic rivalries between European nations led to conflicts over land and resources all over the world. This almost led to war before and with competition heating up, tensions were on the rise

Assassination-June 28th, 1914 Archduke Ferdinand and his wife are assassinated by Gavrilo Princip of the Black Hand a terrorist group.

WWI Inventions and WarfareNew Weapons of War- Machine Gun, Poison Gas,

Tank, Airplane, Smokeless Gunpowder and Submarine.

1. Impact- All of these new weapons contributed to a brutal and bloody war that shook the people of Europe as millions die and war is no longer romantic.

WWI WarfareTrench Warfare- Both sides dug miles of trenches

opposite each other. The area between them was called “No Man’s Land”- for the entire war no side gained anything more than a few yards of territory but lost millions of men.

Total War- This is when an entire nation devotes itself to war, everything is directed to making weapons and clothes for soldiers.

Propaganda Campaign- Each side uses radio and newspapers to show the others as evil and convince their people and others that they are fighting for a good cause.

U.S. Reaction to WWIAmerican people- are shocked that Europe went to warWoodrow Wilson- As president he held true to the tradition of

foreign policy established by Washington.

1. Initial position – no alliances with European nations, remain neutral.2. Issues with Neutrality- Maintaining trade status and Ship seizures.

U.S. Positions during the War shift dramatically- 1. Content Neutral Country2. Country Waging a War for Peace3. Victorious World Power4. Alienated, Isolationist Nation

US Dragged into WWISubmarine warfare – Germans began using

submarines against passenger and unarmed shipsLusitania – British passenger ship carrying 128

AmericansSussex – unarmed merchant ship, several

Americans.

Sussex pledge (1916) – Germans agreed not to sink merchant or passenger ships, lasted the rest of the year.Germany did not want US to enter war as British

ally

US Entry into WWI – Economic Country focused on the economic rebound

caused by supplying European nations during wartime- 100% of all trade centered on the Allied nations

No trade with Germany- British Blockade kept American ships from maintaining any trade

Loans to Allies- provided by American bankers, this provided financial prosperity for the U.S. while helping the Allies fund the war.

War Debate British War Propaganda – news sent from Britain

that told only atrocities committed by German soldiers.Lusitania crisis - certain Americans felt US should

enter the warNational Defense Act (preparedness) – Wilson

asked congress to expand armed forces. This caused tremendous controversy as it was seen as a step toward war.

Opposition to preparedness- felt by many Americans (Progressives, Populist and Socialist- Jane Addams)

Election of 1916- Wilson campaign based on maintaining peace

Decision for War(Jan 1917) Unrestricted submarine warfare-

Germany resumes knowing it can bring the U.S. into the war but believed they could win the war if they cut off supplies to the Allies.

(Mar 1 1917) Zimmerman Telegram – Germany tried to ally itself with Mexico, pledged to help them recover lost territories (Texas, New Mexico, Arizona)

(Mar 1917) Germans sank 5 US merchant ships

(Apr 1917) Declaration of war against Germany

Russia Gets OutRussian Revolution 1917- Two revolutions break

out this year as the people and soldiers in the army are starving and tired of fighting.

March Revolution- The 1st revolution was a democratic one against the Czar, but they make a fatal mistake and decided to remain in the war.

Bolshevik Revolution- Three months later a Communist revolution takes place led by Lenin, they withdraw Russia from the war.

1. Communism- economic, political system, single-party government, ruled by dictator, no private property

Domestic Impact of WarSelective Service Act (draft)– Random selection

process so that all groups would be called into serviceEspionage and Sedition Act – 20 year prison

sentence for inciting rebellion in the armed forces or obstructing the draft. Sedition centered on anyone making disloyal or abusive remarks about the U.S. governmentEugene Debs Socialist Party leader - jailed in Atlanta

for violating the Espionage and Sedition Act. Women at work – 1st time everDaylight Savings Time- designed to save fuel Migration of workers – Mexicans and African-

Americans took advantage of the open jobs in the north

End of WWIFinal Showdown- In 1918 Germany launched a huge

offensive to try and break the stalemate but with American troops the allies stop the attack.

Armistice- Signed in November 11, 1918 Germany still hasn’t lost the people are tired of fighting, they revolt and overthrow the government and sign for peace.

Treaty of Versailles- officially ends the war

Wilson’s Fourteen PointsRecognition of freedom of the seasEnd the practice of making secret treatiesReduce national armamentsImpartial adjustment of colonial claimsSelf-determination for the various nationalities

within the Austro-Hungarian empireGeneral body made up of all nations to guarantee

political independence and territorial integrity to all (The League of Nations)

Treaty of VersaillesBig Four- Italy, France and Great Britain can’t wait to

get Germany, U.S. wants to shape a long lasting peace.

Germany Destroyed- 1. Colonies- stripped from Germany2. Disarmament- Lost its army and navy3. War Guilt and Reparations- Germany was forced to accept responsibility for the war and pay France and Great Britain a huge sum of money. 4. This treatment will lead to a bitter and angry Germany and pave the way for the rise of Adolph Hitler.

League of Nations- An international peacekeeping organization, each member is suppose to be ready to protect the territorial integrity of each other. NO POWER/WASTE

Senate Decisions change the U.S.Senators objected to The League of Nations (Treaty

of Versailles)Might interfere with US SovereigntyMay cause European nations to interfere with the

Western Hemisphere

Treaty voted on and defeated twice

Never voted to join The League of Nations, made the league weak without the most powerful country.

Key Problems After WWICurrent National Pulse - Unhappy with peace

process, growing fears, Communist takeover in Russia, and labor unrest at home

Red Scare – In 1919 Anti-German feelings turned into hysteria about Communism

Fueled by threats of riots, that never took placeEnded quicklyIsolationism- pulling away from world affairs becomes

popularNativism- prejudice against foreign-born people sweeps

nation

Immigrant RestrictionThe Quota System- sets maximum number can enter U.S.

from each country.1919–1921, number of immigrants grows almost 600%sharply reduces European immigration1924, European arrivals cut to 2% of number of residents

in 1890Discriminates against southern, eastern EuropeansProhibits Japanese immigration; causes ill will between

U.S., JapanDoes not apply to Western Hemisphere; many Canadians,

Mexicans enter

Additional Problems After WWI Men return from the war, take back jobs from

women and African- Americans

Business boom fell flat – no need for high production after the war

Farmers suffered with falling prices, no longer shipping food to Europe

Inflation caused by short consumer buying sprees

1921 – Recession hit, 10% unemployment rate

The 1920’s – A New EraPresident Harding- not spectacular, he is a return

to pre-Roosevelt Republican politics

Harding Cabinet- he appoints a group of great men to help guide his presidency.

1. Ohio Gang- friends of Harding who are appointed to positions, they are corrupt.

2. Teapot Dome- the Ohio Gang was caught by Congress accepting bribes and kickbacks for oil leases near Teapot Dome, Wyoming.

3. Death- Harding dies suddenly of a heart attack during the summer 0f 1923, never implemented in the scandals.

The 1920’s - Business“The Business of America is Business”

President Coolidge- President from 1923-1928. 1. Coolidge favors little government

interference with businesses, this encourages a flourishing economy

Consumer goods- fuel the business boom of the 1920s as America’s standard of living soars.

Lengthy period of prosperity (1922 – 1928) ends in disaster

Causes of Business ProsperityIncreased productivity – improved processes for

mass production (Frederick Taylor and Scientific Management)

Energy technology – increased use of oil and electricity more than 300% to power factories and homes

Government policy – tax cuts offered to businesses, no enforcement of antitrust laws

Income of middle class and working class increased – more money for goods

Impact of the AutomobileHenry Ford- The “Father of Mass Production”

1. Assembly Line- Parts flow down a conveyer belt, each part a small section of a greater machine

2. Division of Labor- Each person on an assembly line does one job repeatedly until a machine is put together.

3. Mass Production- Assembly Line allows for high production of goods at a cheap cost.

4. Model T- millions are made and sold in America cheaply by Ford

Impact of the AutomobileKey: Replaced railroad industry as the key promoter

of economic growth

Influenced the success of several industries - steel, glass, rubber, gasoline, highway construction, motels, gas stations and shopping centers.

Affected everything people did - shopping, leisure travel, commuting to work, dating, by 1920 1 out of 5 Americans had a car

Created new problems - traffic jams, injuries, death, need for roads, urban sprawl

The 1920’s – A New EraChanging Ways of Life

The Prohibition Experiment• 18th Amendment launches Prohibition era - supported by religious groups, rural South, West- Prohibition-production, sale, transportation of

alcohol illegalGovernment does not budget enough money to

enforce the law

Speakeasies- hidden bars and nightclubs become fashionable

Bootleggers- smuggle alcohol from surrounding countries

Effect of ProhibitionOrganized Crime

• Prohibition contributes to organized crime in major cities

• Al Capone controls Chicago liquor business by killing competitors- The St. Valentine’s Day Massacre

• By mid-1920s, only 19% support Prohibition

• 21st Amendment overturns the 18th in 1933

Creationism vs. EvolutionThe Scopes “Monkey” Trial- In 1925, Tennessee passes law

making it a crime to teach evolution

American Civil Liberties Union- backs John T. Scopes challenge of law

Clarence Darrow- most famous trial lawyer of day, defends Scopes

Prosecutor- William Jennings Bryan is special prosecutor1. Fundamentalist- believe in the literal interpretation

of the Bible, reject the theory of evolution

Scopes trial- debates evolution, role of science, religion in school national sensation; thousands attend

1. Scopes found guilty, the law is overturned in 1968

The Twenties WomanThe Flapper The Double StandardFlapper—emancipated

young woman, adopts new fashions, attitudes

Many young women want equal status with men, become assertive

Middle-class men, women begin to see marriage as equal partnership

- housework, child-rearing still woman’s job

Elders disapprove new behavior and its promotion by periodicals, ads

Casual dating begins to replace formal courtship

Women subject to double standard (less sexual freedom than men)

-Young Women Change the Rules

Education and Popular CultureMass media shapes mass culture; takes advantage of

greater literacy1920s, mass-market magazines thrive; Reader’s

Digest, Time foundedRadio is most powerful communications medium of

1920sNetworks provide shared national experience, can

hear news as it happensPeople have extra money, leisure time to enjoy itCrowds attend sports events; athletes glorified by

mass media

Harlem Renaissance –A Cultural Expression

Harlem, New York – Largest African American community in the North, famous for artistic talent

Leading poets –Countee Cullen, James Weldon Johnson wrote the Negro National Anthem, NAACP Civil Rights leader

Langston Hughes – Notable author, poet, and play writers, Theme for English B

Zora Neale Hurston – Extremely influential author, wrote about poor, Southern blacks

Jazz Age – Jazz became popular during this era white teens like it as a rebellious act, African Americans enjoyed the music

Key Jazz Artists – Duke Ellington, Louis ArmstrongLangston Hughes1902 - 1967

Is the Prosperity Superficial?Almost 40% of Americans lived in poverty rangeIncome gap between managers and workers

grewIron, railroad industries not prosperous; farms

suffer lossesBuying goods on credit

Installment plan—pay for goods over extended period with interest

Some economists, business owners think installment buying excessive