Lesson 6: Winning the War Flashcards
Abdicate Definition
to give up power
American Expeditionary Forces (AEF) Definition
American forces in Europe during World War I
Armistice Definition
an agreement to stop fighting
Battle of Belleau Wood Definition
a hard-fought American victory over the Germans in France in 1918
Battle of the Argonne Forest Definition
the defeat of the Germans by French and American troops in France in October 1918
Epidemic Definition
the rapid spread of contagious disease
Harlem Hellfighters Definition
the African American infantry unit that fought with the French Army in World War I
Influenza Definition
an infection of the respiratory tract that is marked by fever, chills, and a general feeling of weakness
John J. Pershing Definition
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.
Treaty of Brest-Litovsk Definition
a 1918 treaty between Russia and Germany that ended Russia’s involvement in World War I
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?
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.
Why did Lenin embrace the ideas of German think Carl Marx? What had Marx predicted? What did Lenin want to do in Russia?
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.
Why did Lenin oppose the war? In March 1918, what was the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk? What requirements did the treaty make Russia meet?
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.
How did the Allied Powers view the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk?
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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?
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.
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?
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.
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?
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.
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?
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.
What award did the French give the Harlem Hellfighters for their bravery?
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.
After the war, how did New Yorkers greet the Harlem Hellfighters?
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.”
As the Germans were continuing their “peace offensive”, how were the Allies preparing for the Battle of Belleau Wood?
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.”
What happened in the Battle of Belleau Wood? On June 25, 1918, who stood victorious?
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.”