Military History Flashcards
The Great War years
1914-1918
Unintended consequences of the war
- Bolshevist Revolution
- Cold War
- Fascism
- Creation of new nations and nationalism
Social changes because of the war?
Expedited the idea of equality between sexes
Reason for war
GER was competing with UK to build battleships
GER was competing with France and Russia to expand their Armies
UK feared and attack from GER
Why was it obvious that the war was inevitable?
The creation of all major powers forming a system of alliances
What were all major powers competing for?
Territory (imperialism)
Why was the U.S the most powerful industrial nation in the world?
World leaders in:
- Coal
- Steel production
- Raw material production (wheat and cotton)
Which president came up with a policy of strict neutrality and when?
President Woodrow Wilson 19 AUG, 1914
Why did tension escalate in Europe (WW1)?
The Arch Duke and wife were shot. Austrians (Allies: Germany) blamed Serbia (Allies: Russia). GER declared war on Russia
What were UK’s worries after GER declares war on Russia?
That GER would defeat France and dominate Europe. Then UK would be next
The Schlieffen Plan
German War plan to attack passing through Belgium to capture Paris
When did UK declare war on GER?
4 AUG 1914
Why did the U.S get involved?
- Unrestricted submarine warfare
- American propaganda stressed German barbarism
- German dictatorship- “making the world a safe place for democracy”
- U.S business interests
- Zimmerman Note: GER asked MX to enter the war against the U.S
Who led the American Expeditionary Force ?
General John Pershing
What was the select service act?
Authorized president wilson to raise a volunteer infantry force
Age of who was required to register for military service
Males; Ages 21-30
How many Soldiers were deployed to France by July 1918?
Over a million
How many casualties in the AEF during WW1?
264,000
112,432 died
Of the deaths that the AEF had, how much died from disease? (Percentage)
About 50% (mainly influenza)
How many African Americans served?
About 200,000
How many African Americans were considered combat troops?
42,000
What is significant of the “Harlem Hell Fighters”
An American 369th regiment fought besides French 16th division, the longest fighting American unit