The Americans Arrive Flashcards
Winning the war at sea
———> Convoys
William S. Sims prevented the loss of soldiers at sea. British shipping was dwindling. Because of this, troops and merchant ships would be put in convoys with destroyers which were Protection. This was very effective.
Russia Leaves the War - Why, How?
Chaz Nicolas the 2nd was booted from the throne with the Russian revolution, cough cough animal farm cough cough and the Soviet union came to be. All of this was because there was no food. It was seized by Vladimir Lenin who left the war while losing a lot of territory.
Americans Enter Combat
——–> Germany’s Last Offensive
- Aggone Forest
Americans were in debt of the French from the Revolutionary war. The French and GB wanted control of American troops but they did not get it except 93rd Infantry Division. Germans launched the first huga attack against the Western front, and the Americans were vital in pushing them back. There were massive counter attacks, including the largest attack in American history. The Battle of the Argonne Forest was vital in turning the tides of the war. Germany’s positions fell to the Allies, and they retreated.
General Pershing - Who was he?
General John J. Pershing was the commander of the American Expeditionary Force (AEF) during World War I, leading the American troops in Europe throughout the conflict.
American Heroes:
——–> Alvin York
——–> Eddie Rickenbacker
——–> Harlem Hellfighters
1) During Argonne Forest, Germans took out his men but he charged killing 9-25 and taking 132 prisoners.
2) Commander of the 9th Aero squadron, fought in 134 air battles, shot down 26 aircraft, and single handedly fought 7 German aircraft.
3) During the war, the Harlem Hellfighters spent more time in continuous combat than any other American unit of its size. They were taken in by the French, and were a symbol for African Americans that they could do hard things.
The War Ends:
———> Germany signs Armistice
Austria-Hungary fell apart as well as the Ottomans, and many countries were freed. Revolution spread in Germany, and the Emperor stepped down. An Armistice was signed and Germany became a Republic. On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of the 11th year, fighting stopped.
A Flawed Peace:
——-> Treaty of Versailles
- National self determination
- League of Nations
- Results of the Treaty?
The treaty of Versailles was the formal ending to WW1 and settled the relations between the Allied and Central Powers.
1) National self determination was the idea that countries borders should group in their ethnic groups. This would decrease war, but Germany = excluded.
2) League of Nations was Wilson’s international organization that aimed to promote international peace and security, and to resolve international disputes through diplomacy.
3) Germany’s army was put on restrictions plus reparations. Austro-Hungarian, German, Ottoman, and Russia empires fell apart. Many Germans now in other countries. No free trade, freedom of the seas, and colonial claims from Germany were scattered.
Why does the U.S. reject the treaty?
They did not want to be roped into another conflict just like that, and felt that the league was just another alliance, and abolishing alliances as the main point of the league.
Wilson’s 14 points:
5 points - stop war through simpler things
8 points - self determination
14th point - league of nations
