WWI- 1917

The first World War had devastating effects on countries, such as the US; which went into The Great Depression shortly after. As well as the Ottoman Empire, who were almost wiped out by the war. 

WWI was a European war, which was started by nationalism, colonial competition and militarism. The war was initially started with the assassinated of the Archduke of Austria-Hungary, who was assassinated by a Serbian. Austria- Hungary declared war on Hungary. They both called on their allies to support them in the war. It was the Triple Entente vs. The Central Powers. The US wanted to be Neutral and continue their Isolation Policy. However, the US’s trade was interrupted and provoked. Germany continued using Unrestricted Warfare even though it was not allowed. This led to the sinking of the Lusitania, 128 American civilians were killed in 1915. Shortly after, the Zimmerman telegram was discovered and Woodrow Wilson declared War. The US was unprepared for the war. So they began Selective Service Drafts and War Industries Boards reshaped Workspace Laws. Propaganda began  to be released to explain why the US was participating in the War. The war was mainly paid for by War Bond Drives, which only drove only ¼ from taxes.

 This was the first major War since the second Industrial Revolution. It was the first mechanized war, which increased killing efficiency. Examples of this is; the submarine, gas (which were illegal), airplanes, tanks, barbed wire, artillery and machine guns, which created the most disaster. At the Battle of Somme, 1.1 million people were killed at this battle. Millions were killed in the frontline trenches. Soldiers were killed without even being able to see the enemy. Little land was gained and lost, so the war only ended where it started, in destruction.

The US’s entry into the war benefited the Allies. The war ended on Nov 11, 1918, with 15 million people dead. Woodrow Wilson hopes to negotiate lasting Peace. The Treaty of Versaille failed, because it blamed the entire war on Germany, and they were forced to pay debt of the War. Germany was forced into reparations and they lost territory, which ensured future conflict. At the same time the US were in the midst of rejecting joining The League of Nations. The end of the war  brings triumph. However, soldiers were physically and emotionally affected by the war, they were (shell shocked). The European Western Culture was disillusioned, which led to cynicism. There was an intense questioning of Authority, beliefs and traditions, and it loses faith in itself. The American Christian Fundamentalists sought to push back secular beliefs which provoked the war. Earnest Hemingway was an author and journalist. He represents the Lost Generation, “A Farewell to Arms” “For Whom the Bell Tolls” as an answer for the confused younger generation who don’t know what to believe in.

The first World War was cataclysmic in History. Europe almost destroyed itself, Europe was left without faith in itself, or an institution, and poor peace set the stage for WWII. The US was now a global player, they were unable to stay out of war and the war ended with the US  politically powerful but aware of becoming involved in the politics of Europe. This exposes lack in spiritual, modern societies.