Lesson 6: Winning the War

Question 1

Abdicate Definition

Answer 1

to give up power

Question 2

American Expeditionary Forces (AEF) Definition

Answer 2

American forces in Europe during World War I

Question 3

Armistice Definition

Answer 3

an agreement to stop fighting

Question 4

Battle of Belleau Wood Definition

Answer 4

a hard-fought American victory over the Germans in France in 1918

Question 5

Battle of the Argonne Forest Definition

Answer 5

the defeat of the Germans by French and American troops in France in October 1918

Question 6

Epidemic Definition

Answer 6

the rapid spread of contagious disease

Question 7

Harlem Hellfighters Definition

Answer 7

the African American infantry unit that fought with the French Army in World War I

Question 8

Influenza Definition

Answer 8

an infection of the respiratory tract that is marked by fever, chills, and a general feeling of weakness

Question 9

John J. Pershing Definition

Answer 9

John J. Pershing (1860–1948) was the commander of the American Expeditionary Forces (AEF) in Europe during World War I. Earlier, he had served in the Philippines and in Mexico. After World War I, he served as Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army.

Question 10

Treaty of Brest-Litovsk Definition

Answer 10

a 1918 treaty between Russia and Germany that ended Russia’s involvement in World War I

Question 11

How did Russia withdrawing from the war affect the outlook for the Allies? In November 1917, which group overthrew Russia’s Provisional Government? Who led this group? What was their objective?

Answer 11

The outlook for the Allies grew even more bleak when Russia decided to withdraw from the war. In November 1917, a group known as the Bolsheviks seized power from Russia’s Provisional Government. Led by Vladimir I. Lenin, the Bolsheviks wanted to stage a communist revolution in Russia.

Question 12

Why did Lenin embrace the ideas of German think Carl Marx? What had Marx predicted? What did Lenin want to do in Russia?

Answer 12

Lenin embraced the ideas of Karl Marx, a German thinker of the 1800s. Marx had predicted that workers around the world would unite to overthrow the ruling class. After the workers revolted, they would do away with private property and set up a classless society. Lenin was determined to lead such a revolution in Russia.

Question 13

Why did Lenin oppose the war? In March 1918, what was the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk? What requirements did the treaty make Russia meet?

Answer 13

Lenin opposed the war, arguing that it benefited only the ruling class. Once in power, he opened peace talks with Germany. In March 1918, Russia and Germany signed the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk, ending Russia’s participation in the war. The treaty was harsh, requiring Russia to give up large amounts of land to Germany. Still, Lenin welcomed peace. With Russia out of the war, he could focus on the communist revolution.

Question 14

How did the Allied Powers view the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk?

Answer 14

The Allies saw the treaty as a betrayal. Through the treaty, Germany received coal mines and other valuable resources in Russia. More important, with Russia out of the struggle, Germany now moved its armies away from the Russian, or eastern, front to support its armies on the western front in France.

Question 15

Remember: The signing of the treaty of Brest-Litovsk on March 3, 1918, between Germany and Russia marked the end of Russia’s involvement in World War I.

Answer 15

The signing of the treaty of Brest-Litovsk on March 3, 1918, between Germany and Russia marked the end of Russia’s involvement in World War I.

Question 16

In early 1918, what was Germany planning? In which town did the Germans amass their forces by March 21, 1918? What was the “peace offensive” many Germans hoped for?

Answer 16

In early 1918, Germany mobilized its troops for an all-out attack on the Allies. By March 21, German forces had massed near the French town of Amiens. The Germans were preparing what they called a “peace offensive.” They hoped that a final push would end the war.

Question 17

What did the German “peace offensive” open with? How long did the Battle at Amiens last? Why did the Germans give up on April 4, 1918? What were the German offensives along the Aisne River in May and the Marne River in May 30, 1918? When did American troops intervene?

Answer 17

The offensive opened with dozens of German divisions lined up against a small British force. Late at night, 6,000 German cannons began pounding the British troops camped at Amiens. Despite the heavy fire, the British held on. The battle lasted for two weeks. At last, on April 4, the Germans gave up their attack. The Germans continued their offensive elsewhere. By late May, they had smashed through Allied lines along the Aisne (EHN) River. On May 30, they reached the Marne River, just east of Château-Thierry (SHA toh tee ER ee). Paris lay only 50 miles away. At this point, American troops entered the war in force.

Question 18

By June 1918, what record number of American troops arrived in France, after the attack at Marne River on May 30, 1918? Who commanded the American Expeditionary Forces?

Answer 18

By June 1918, American troops were reaching France in record numbers. More than one million American troops would arrive. Commanding the American Expeditionary Forces (AEF) was General John J. Pershing. Pershing was already well known at home. He had led American troops into Mexico in 1916 to hunt for Mexican rebel leader Francisco “Pancho” Villa.

Question 19

Why did John J. Pershing want American troops to operate as separate units? Why did he eventually let Americans fight along side the French and British?

Answer 19

Allied generals wanted the fresh troops to reinforce their own war-weary soldiers. Pershing refused. He insisted that American troops operate as separate units. The United States wanted to have an independent role in shaping the peace. Only by playing “a definite and distinct part” in the war would it win power at the peace table. In the end, Pershing agreed to let some Americans fight with the British and French. At the same time, he set up an American operation to fight on its own.

Question 20

What did the 369th United States Infantry, which was among the first American units attached to French Army, come to be known as? Why did the French respect them?

Answer 20

Among the first American units attached to the French Army was the 369th United States Infantry. This African American unit became known as the Harlem Hellfighters. Although the United States allowed few African Americans to train for combat, the French respected the bravery of African American soldiers and were glad to fight side by side with them.

Question 21

What award did the French give the Harlem Hellfighters for their bravery?

Answer 21

The Harlem Hellfighters spent more time under fire than any other American unit. For their bravery, the French awarded them the Croix de Guerre, their highest military honor, and numerous other decorations.

Question 22

After the war, how did New Yorkers greet the Harlem Hellfighters?

Answer 22

After the war, New Yorkers greeted the returning Hellfighters with a huge parade. “God bless you, boys!” they cheered. The unit commander felt a rush of joy. “They did not welcome us [as] a regiment of colored soldiers,” he said, but as “a regiment of men who had done the work of men.”

Question 23

As the Germans were continuing their “peace offensive”, how were the Allies preparing for the Battle of Belleau Wood?

Answer 23

Meanwhile, the Germans were continuing their “peace offensive.” As Germans rolled across the Aisne River, the French prepared to evacuate Paris. In June 1918, American troops plunged into their first major battle in Belleau (BEH loh) Wood, outside Paris. A French general sent General James Harbord of the United States a message: “Have your men prepare entrenchments some hundreds of yards to the rear in case of need.” Harbord sent back a firm reply: “We dig no trenches to fall back on. The marines will hold where they stand.”

Question 24

What happened in the Battle of Belleau Wood? On June 25, 1918, who stood victorious?

Answer 24

The Battle of Belleau Wood raged for three weeks. During a series of attacks and counterattacks, the inexperienced but combat-ready Americans performed bravely. Expert marksmen hit their targets from hundreds of yards away. Individual soldiers charged German machine gun nests. When one man fell, another stepped in promptly to take his place. The Americans suffered great casualties. But at last, on June 25, they emerged victorious from the woods. General Harbord passed along the good news: “Wood now exclusively U.S. Marine Corps.”

Question 25

In mid-July 1918, when did the German drive to Paris stop? What made them retreat, putting the Allies at the offensive? What did French Marshal Ferdinand Foch order?

Answer 25

In mid-July, the Germans launched another drive to take Paris. They pushed the Allies back until they came up against American troops. Within three days, the Allies, with American help, had forced the Germans to retreat. The Allies now took the offensive. French Marshal Ferdinand Foch (FOHSH), commander of the Allied forces, ordered attacks along a line from Verdun to the North Sea. American forces stormed the area between the Meuse (MYOOZ) River and the Argonne Forest.

Question 26

When Americans entered Argonne Forest on September 26, 1918, what condition was it in?

Answer 26

On September 26, 1918, in response to Foch’s cry, “Everyone to battle!” more than one million American soldiers pushed into the Argonne Forest. This would be the final Allied offensive. Years of fierce fighting had left the land scarred with trenches and shell holes. The air still smelled of poison gas that had been used with deadly results against the men in the trenches in earlier battles.

Question 27

What happened in the Battle of Argonne Forest? Who was Sergeant Alvin York?

Answer 27

At first, the Americans advanced despite heavy German fire. Then, rains and the thick woods slowed their movement. Small units drove forward to capture deadly German positions. Armed with a single rifle, Sergeant Alvin York of Tennessee wiped out a nest of German machine gunners. His brave act helped clear the way for advancing American troops. York became the most decorated American soldier of the war. Finally, after 47 days, the Americans broke through the German defense. They had won the Battle of the Argonne Forest. However, the cost was high. Americans had suffered more than 100,000 casualties in the battle. British, French, and Belgian forces also smashed through the German lines in their areas. By November, German forces were in retreat. After more than four years of fighting, the Great War was finally nearing its end.

Question 28

True or False: American Alvin York did not want to go to war and asked to be excluded from the draft. But he eventually decided to serve in the army, and he won the Congressional Medal of Honor.

Answer 28

True

Question 29

In September 1918, what did German generals tell the Kaiser? What did Prince Max of Baden do on October 4, 1918? What were the two conditions President Wilson set for armistice? When did WWI end?

Answer 29

In September, German generals told the kaiser that the war could not be won. On October 4, Prince Max of Baden, head of the German cabinet, secretly cabled President Wilson.

To avoid further bloodshed, the German government requests the President to arrange the immediate conclusion of an armistice on land, by sea, and in the air.

—Max, Prince of Baden, Cable, October 4, 1918

An armistice is an agreement to stop fighting. President Wilson set two conditions for an armistice. First, Germany must accept his plan for peace. Second, the German emperor must abdicate, or give up power. While German leaders debated a response, rebellion simmered in the ranks. Daily, the German army lost ground. Morale plunged among the troops. German sailors mutinied. People in several German cities threatened to revolt. On November 9, the German emperor was forced to resign. He and his son fled to Holland, and Germany became a republic. The new German leaders agreed to the armistice terms. At 11 A.M. on November 11, 1918—the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month—World War I ended at last.

Question 30

What were the devastating casualties of Word War I?

Answer 30

The costs of the war were staggering. A generation of young Europeans lost their lives. Between 8 million and 9 million people died in battle—more than had died in all the wars fought during the previous 100 years. Almost 4 million Russian, French, and British soldiers were killed. Germany alone lost close to 2 million men. The United States lost over 100,000 men. Many more died of diseases. More than 20 million soldiers on both sides were wounded. No one knows exactly how many civilians died of disease, starvation, and other war-related causes. Some historians believe as many civilians died as soldiers.

Question 31

What conditions were France and Germany left in after World War I?

Answer 31

Much of northern France lay in ruins. Millions of Germans were near starvation. In France and other nations, many children were left orphaned and homeless.

Question 32

What were the effects of a terrible influenza epidemic in 1918-1919?

Answer 32

In 1918, as the world was reeling from the war, a new disaster struck. A terrible influenza epidemic spread around the globe. An epidemic is the rapid spread of a contagious disease among large numbers of people. Between 1918 and 1919, more than half a million Americans died in the flu epidemic. The death toll in other countries was even higher. All told, the epidemic killed more than 30 million people worldwide.

Question 33

Additional — June 1918: Battle of Belleau Wood

Answer 33

The Germans had advanced to within 30 miles of Paris. AEF forces, primarily Marines, engaged the Germans in a forest called Belleau Wood. The fighting was bitter, and soldiers often fought hand-to-hand. In the end, the Americans suffered almost 10,000 casualties but emerged victorious. Their triumph raised hopes of an eventual Allied victory.

Question 34

Additional — July–August 1918: Second Battle of the Marne

Answer 34

The French had stopped the German advance at the First Battle of the Marne in 1914. Now, German forces again attacked and advanced. The Allies held their own and counterattacked. The counterattack, by French and American forces, proved hugely successful. Now the Allies were truly on the offensive. This German defeat would prove to be the beginning of the end of the war.

Question 35

Additional — July 1918: Battle of Soissons

Answer 35

The Allied counteroffensive during the Second Battle of the Marne near Soissons was a massive battle that resulted in numerous casualties on each side. The Allies suffered fewer, though, and achieved victory, pushing the Germans back. The American contribution to the battle came largely from the army’s so-called Buffalo Soldiers: segregated units of African Americans.

Question 36

Additional — August–September 1918: Second Battle of the Somme

Answer 36

The Allies continued to advance on the Germans. In the basin of the Somme River, where vicious fighting had taken place for years with little or no gain, they pushed the Germans back to their main defensive line, thus erasing German gains from the spring offensives. The Allies even breached the German line. German losses in the Second Battle of the Somme pushed the country nearer to suing for peace.

Question 37

Additional — September 1918: Battle of Saint-Mihiel

Answer 37

This was another Allied victory. The American advance was much more rapid than anticipated, owing not only to a German army already in retreat but also to meticulous planning by General Pershing and excellent execution by the AEF.

Question 38

Additional — September–November 1918: Battle of the Argonne Forest

Answer 38

Part of the final Allied advance against the Germans, a large American force advanced through the thick Argonne Forest. After weeks of heavy fighting, they had driven the Germans from the forest. The Americans reached Germany’s vital railway line as the armistice brought the war to an end on November 11.