World War I or the First World War (28 July 1914 – 11 November 1918) was a global conflict fought between two coalitions: the Allies and the Central Powers. Battles took place throughout Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Pacific, and parts of Asia. One of the deadliest wars in history, it resulted in an estimated 9 million soldiers dead and 23 million wounded, and over eight million civilian deaths from numerous causes including genocide.
Causes of WWI
- Militarism
- Alliances
- Imperialism
- Nationalism
- Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand
Central Powers
- Germany
- Austria-Hungary
- Bulgaria
- Ottoman War
Allied Powers
- France
- Russia
- United Kingdom
- Portugal
- Italy
- Serbia
- Albania
- Greece
- Montenegro
- Belgium
- Romania
- United States
United States Joins the War Start with plan of isolationism. Wilson elected on slogan, “he kept us out of war.”
By 1917, US joins the war because:
- Zimmermann Telegram
- Sinking of the RMS Lusitania
- Russian Revolution
- Wilson changes stance to protect democracy
World War I at Home Selective Service Act (1917): 24,000.000 men registered for the draft by the end of 1918. 4,800,000 men served in WW1 (2,800,000 served active combat). 400,000 African Americans served in segregated units. 15,000 Native Americans served as scouts, messengers, and snipers in non-segregated units.
Espionage Act (1917): Forbade actions that obstructed recruitment or efforts to promote insubordination in the military.
Schenck v. United States (1918): During war time, Congress has a right to limit free speech.