Lecture Notes: The Century, America's Time - World War I Episode

Introduction

• Focus on events surrounding World War I (The Great War)
• Overview of the Lusitania's sinking and its role in shaping American perspective
• Examination of the war's beginnings, major battles, and eventual outcomes

Important Events Leading to War

• June 1914: Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary
  • Catalyzed by Serbian nationalist in Sarajevo
• Rising tensions and competitive desires among European royalty (King of England, Tsar of Russia, Kaiser of Germany)
• Optimism and nationalism fueling the war sentiments in Europe

The Lusitania Incident

• May 1, 1915: Lusitania departs from Pier 54, New York City
• German submarines posed a threat to transatlantic crossings
• Day of sinking: hit by a German torpedo, leading to massive casualties
  • 1,200 drowned, including 128 Americans

World War I - Key Developments

• Initial optimism and enthusiasm to engage in war
• The powerful impact of new military technologies:
  • Machine guns, tanks, and chemical gas (poison gas)
• Trench Warfare:
  • Stalemate and horrific conditions on the Western Front
  • Massive casualty rates
  • Psychological impact on soldiers (shell shock)

The Role of the United States

• Initial neutrality in the conflict
• Economic boom from war demands (e.g., arms sales to Britain and France)
• The Great Migration: African Americans moving north for factory jobs
• Entry into war: Triggered by increased German aggression and unrestricted submarine warfare

Major Battles and Strategies

• Battle of the Somme (1916): Symbol of WWI futility
  • Intense artillery bombardments
  • Heavy casualties with little territorial gain
• German Final Offensive (1918): Attempt to capture Paris
  • American troops helped to stop German advance

Russian Revolution

• 1917: Food riots in Petrograd
• Rise of Bolsheviks and Lenin's return
• Russia's withdrawal from WWI and establishment of a communist state

Conclusion of the War

• November 11, 1918: Armistice Day, end of hostilities
• Versailles Peace Treaty (1919): Harsh terms and conditions placed on Germany
  • Sowed seeds for future conflicts

Aftermath and Legacy

• Enormous human cost: 9 million men dead, economic and political instability
• Veterans faced uncertain futures and economic downturns
• Legacy of the war: set stage for WWII and showcased the destructive power of modern technology

Next Episode Preview

• Exploration of the post-war technological changes in America
• Impact of these changes on American society