World History II – December 2012
End of World War I
The war on the Western Front had been in a stalemate for nearly four years
Trench warfareMinor gains or losses
for each side but no major movement
European nations face dwindling resources and decreasing public support
On the Western Front
• Treaty of Brest-Litovsk (March 3, 1918)
• Cedes territory to Germany and Austria-Hungary
On the Eastern Front
This frees Germany to focus on the Western Front!
Russian (Bolshevik) Revolution forces Russia to withdraw from WWI
Initial neutralityPresident Wilson tried repeatedly to get
belligerents to make peaceWilson wants to “make the world safe for
democracy”Germany starts using submarines to attack
British commercial and passenger shipsLusitania – British ship carrying 128 American
civiliansU.S. threatens to enter war Germans stop submarine attacks but start again
in January 1917
United States enters the war
Zimmermann TelegramInvites Mexico to join the war
as Germany’s ally against the U.S.
Promises to help Mexico regain territory lost in Mexican-American War
Telegram is intercepted by British, decoded, and passed on to U.S.
U.S. declares war April 1917Bringing new supplies, fresh
troops, and a boost in morale
United States enters the war (cont.)
Delivered in a speech to Congress January 8, 1918
Intended to justify great expense of U.S. entry into war
The most important ones were There should be no secret alliances
between countriesThe general reduction and eventual
elimination of armamentsSelf-determination for all nations (this
is a combination of several points)The creation of a league of nations to
ensure future peace
Wilson’s 14 Points
The German offensive started in March 1918 Initially successful and German troops almost reach Paris
(about 50 miles away)Eventually fails
Dwindling resourcesDecreasing support from German citizensCannot compete with U.S. involvement
By August, General Ludendorff realizes they cannot possibly win and advises Kaiser to surrender to the Allies
Allies will not make peace with an autocratic governmentAfter much public pressure, Kaiser Wilhelm abdicates and is
replaced by a democratic leaderArmistice is reached November 11, 1918
This is just a cease-fire, not a formal treaty
The beginning of the end
Negotiations begin in January 1919 in ParisRepresentatives from 27 victorious Allied
nations attend the conferenceThe Big Four (who were really the big three)
U.S. wanted to establish League of Nations for lasting peace
Great Britain wanted to make Germany pay reparations for war damages
France wanted to make Germany pay reparations for war damages, to disarm Germany, and to ensure national security
…And Italy was just happy to be included
Treaty of Versailles
War Guilt ClauseGermany (and Austria) must agree to accept
full responsibility for the warReparations
DisarmamentLoss of territory
Poland and Alsace LorraineRhine River DMZ
Terms of the Treaty with Germany
Top Related