The First World War at Home and Abroad (1914-1918)

Sections: Count Franz von Harrach: Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand (June 1914) Public Reaction to the Declaration of War in Europe (1914) Woodrow Wilson: U.S. Declaration of Neutrality (August 19, 1914) German Declaration of Naval Blockade Against Shipping to Britain (February 4, 1915) President Wilson: U.S. 'Strict Accountability' Warning to Germany (February 10, 1915) The Lusitania and Unrestricted Submarine Warfare Propaganda Leaflettes from World War I U.S. Propaganda Posters Popular War Songs German Ambassador Count Johann von Bernstorff: letter to Robert Lansing, U.S. Secretary of State (January 31, 1917) President Wilson: Address to Congress (February 3, 1917) Arthur Zimmermann: Decoded message text of the Zimmermann Telegram The Espionage Act (May 16, 1917) Woodrow Wilson: Fourteen Points (January 8, 1918) Peace Treaty of Versailles: Articles 159-213; Military, Naval and Air Clauses

Count Franz von Harrach: Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand (June 1914) Top Historical Context Attached Document The following is an eyewitness account of the Archduke Franz Ferdinand’s bodyguard. He was one of those in the car when the Archduke of Austria-Hungary was shot. <i>Historical Context</i><br><br> <i>Attached Document</i><br> The following is an eyewitness account of the Archduke Franz Ferdinand’s bodyguard. He was one of those in the car when the Archduke of Austria-Hungary was shot.      Count Franz von Harrach.rtf   Citations: The Count Franz von Harrach Eyewitness Account: http://www.eyewitnesstohistory.com/duke.htm The Count Franz von Harrach Eyewitness Account: <a href="http://www.eyewitnesstohistory.com/duke.htm">http://www.eyewitnesstohistory.com/duke.htm</a>

Public Reaction to the Declaration of War in Europe (1914) Top Historical Context Attached Documents Below are two video clips showing the public's reaction to a Declaration of War in both Paris (0:20) and Berlin (0:08). <i>Historical Context</i><br><br> <i>Attached Documents</i><br> Below are two video clips showing the public's reaction to a Declaration of War in both Paris (0:20) and Berlin (0:08).      berlinwardeclaration.wmv        pariswardeclaration.wmv

Woodrow Wilson: U.S. Declaration of Neutrality (August 19, 1914) Top Historical Context Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia in July, 1914 after the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand. This one declaration of war brought many other world powers into war because of the alliances each country had made prior to the outbreak of war. President Wilson declared the United States to be neutral at the onset of war. Attached Document The following is President Wilson's Address to Congress about US neutrality. Questions to consider 1.What does "neutrality" mean? 2.What do you think President Wilson meant when he said this: "The people of the United States are drawn from many nations, and chiefly from the nations now at war"? 3.What is President Wilson mean by saying the US "must be neutral in fact, as well as in name"? <i>Historical Context</i><br> Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia in July, 1914 after the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand. This one declaration of war brought many other world powers into war because of the alliances each country had made prior to the outbreak of war. President Wilson declared the United States to be neutral at the onset of war.<br><br> <i>Attached Document</i><br> The following is President Wilson's Address to Congress about US neutrality. <br> <br> <i>Questions to consider</i> <br> 1.What does "neutrality" mean?<br> 2.What do you think President Wilson meant when he said this: "The people of the United States are drawn from many nations, and chiefly from the nations now at war"?<br> 3.What is President Wilson mean by saying the US "must be neutral in fact, as well as in name"?<br>      Woodrow Wilson.rtf   Citations: Wilson's Address to Congress: www.firstworldwar.com/source/usneutrality.htm Photo of Wilson: http://www.firstworldwar.com/photos/graphics/ww_wilson_01.jpg Wilson's Address to Congress: <a href="www.firstworldwar.com/source/usneutrality.htm">www.firstworldwar.com/source/usneutrality.htm</a><br> Photo of Wilson: <a href="http://www.firstworldwar.com/photos/graphics/ww_wilson_01.jpg">http://www.firstworldwar.com/photos/graphics/ww_wilson_01.jpg</a>

German Declaration of Naval Blockade Against Shipping to Britain (February 4, 1915) Top Historical Context Attached Document The following is the declaration by the German government informing countries around the world that it was establishing a war zone. This was done in response to Britain’s naval blockade of Germany. Questions to consider 1. What will Germany do with ships found inside the war zone? 2. What will happen with "neutral" ships? Why? <i>Historical Context</i><br><br> <i>Attached Document</i><br> The following is the declaration by the German government informing countries around the world that it was establishing a war zone. This was done in response to Britain’s naval blockade of Germany. <br><br> <i>Questions to consider</i><br> 1. What will Germany do with ships found inside the war zone? <br> 2. What will happen with "neutral" ships? Why?      German Declaration of Naval Blockade Against Shipping to Britain.rtf   Citations: The German Declaration: http://www.firstworldwar.com/source/pohl_uboatwar1915.htm The German Declaration: <a href="http://www.firstworldwar.com/source/pohl_uboatwar1915.htm">http://www.firstworldwar.com/source/pohl_uboatwar1915.htm</a>

President Wilson: U.S. 'Strict Accountability' Warning to Germany (February 10, 1915) Top Historical Context After World War I started, Great Britain declared a naval blockade on Germany. In response, Germany declared a War Zone around Great Britain and used unrestricted submarine warfare within it, sinking all ships regardless of whether they were from belligerent or neutral countries. Attached Document In the following document, Wilson warns that the US will hold Germany accountable for any harm done to Americans or their property on the seas. Question to consider 1. What does the tone of the letter suggest about preferred relationship between American and Germany from the point of view of the United States? <i>Historical Context</i><br> After World War I started, Great Britain declared a naval blockade on Germany. In response, Germany declared a War Zone around Great Britain and used unrestricted submarine warfare within it, sinking all ships regardless of whether they were from belligerent or neutral countries. <br><br> <i>Attached Document</i><br> In the following document, Wilson warns that the US will hold Germany accountable for any harm done to Americans or their property on the seas.<br><br> <i>Question to consider</i><br> 1. What does the tone of the letter suggest about preferred relationship between American and Germany from the point of view of the United States?      President Wilson Strict Accountability.rtf   Citations: Wilson's "Strict Accountability" Speech: www.firstworldwar.com/source/wilsonwarningfeb1915.htm Wilson's "Strict Accountability" Speech: <a href="www.firstworldwar.com/source/wilsonwarningfeb1915.htm">www.firstworldwar.com/source/wilsonwarningfeb1915.htm</a>

The Lusitania and Unrestricted Submarine Warfare Top Historical Context Attached Documents Below are photos and images dealing with the sinking of The Lusitania and with Germany's policy of unrestricted submarine warfare. The images include: Two political cartoons about submarine warfare, An advertisement for the Lusitania, A German U-Boat, A warning to sea travelers, A photo of the Lusitania, A drawing of the sinking, and an image of the Lusitania leaving port in New York. <i>Historical Context</i><br> <br> <i>Attached Documents</i><br> Below are photos and images dealing with the sinking of The Lusitania and with Germany's policy of unrestricted submarine warfare. <br><br> The images include:<br> Two political cartoons about submarine warfare, <br> An advertisement for the Lusitania, <br> A German U-Boat, <br> A warning to sea travelers, <br> A photo of the Lusitania, <br> A drawing of the sinking, <br> and an image of the Lusitania leaving port in New York. Citations: The first cartoon: http://rutlandhs.k12.vt.us/jpeterso/Carton3.jpg The second cartoon: http://rutlandhs.k12.vt.us/jpeterso/Carton5.jpg The Picture of the Lusitania: http://www.simplonpc.co.uk/2Cunard-Vintage/Lusitania04.jpg The Notice:http://web.rmslusitania.info:81/pages/images/warning.gif The Photo of the German U-Boat:http://staff.imsa.edu/socsci/jvictory/help_05_06/exemplary_papers05/chang_3_ww1/images/steps/cpi/uboat.gif The Drawing of the Sinking: http://www.encyclopedia-titanica.org/images/matania_image034.jpg The first cartoon: <a href="http://rutlandhs.k12.vt.us/jpeterso/Carton3.jpg">http://rutlandhs.k12.vt.us/jpeterso/Carton3.jpg</a><br> The second cartoon: <a href="http://rutlandhs.k12.vt.us/jpeterso/Carton5.jpg">http://rutlandhs.k12.vt.us/jpeterso/Carton5.jpg</a><br> The Picture of the Lusitania: <a href="http://www.simplonpc.co.uk/2Cunard-Vintage/Lusitania04.jpg">http://www.simplonpc.co.uk/2Cunard-Vintage/Lusitania04.jpg</a><br> The Notice:<a href="http://web.rmslusitania.info:81/pages/images/warning.gif">http://web.rmslusitania.info:81/pages/images/warning.gif</a><br> The Photo of the German U-Boat:<a href="http://staff.imsa.edu/socsci/jvictory/help_05_06/exemplary_papers05/chang_3_ww1/images/steps/cpi/uboat.gif">http://staff.imsa.edu/socsci/jvictory/help_05_06/exemplary_papers05/chang_3_ww1/images/steps/cpi/uboat.gif</a><br> The Drawing of the Sinking: <a href="http://www.encyclopedia-titanica.org/images/matania_image034.jpg">http://www.encyclopedia-titanica.org/images/matania_image034.jpg</a><br>

Propaganda Leaflettes from World War I Top Historical Context Attached Document The following attachment includes examples of leaflets dropped over enemy lines from planes and balloons. These are great examples of the types of psychological tricks employed by the combatants during the war. Question to consider 1. Discuss the tactic used in each of the appeals. What do you think were the results of propaganda efforts during the war? <i>Historical Context</i><br> <br> <i>Attached Document</i><br> The following attachment includes examples of leaflets dropped over enemy lines from planes and balloons. These are great examples of the types of psychological tricks employed by the combatants during the war. <br><br> <i>Question to consider</i><br> 1. Discuss the tactic used in each of the appeals. What do you think were the results of propaganda efforts during the war?      Propaganda Leaflettes from World War I.rtf   Citations: The Propaganda Leaflettes were found on the web at http://www.lib.byu.edu/~rdh/wwi/1915/propleaf.html The Propaganda Leaflettes were found on the web at <a href="http://www.lib.byu.edu/~rdh/wwi/1915/propleaf.html">http://www.lib.byu.edu/~rdh/wwi/1915/propleaf.html</a>

U.S. Propaganda Posters Top Historical Context Attached Documents Below are a number of propaganda and recruitment posters from the United States during WWI. <i>Historical Context</i><br> <br> <i>Attached Documents</i><br> Below are a number of propaganda and recruitment posters from the United States during WWI. Citations: Posters: http://www.firstworldwar.com/posters/usa6.htm Posters: <a href="http://www.firstworldwar.com/posters/usa6.htm">http://www.firstworldwar.com/posters/usa6.htm</a>

Popular War Songs Top Historical Context Attached Documents Below are recordings of two wars songs which were popular during WWI. "When I Get Back to the USA," by Billy Murray (2:40). "Over There," by Nora Bayes (2:52). Question to consider 1. Explain why the war was a theme in popular culture. Can you name some other songs that were written about war? Why doesn't this theme appear in contemporary popular culture? <i>Historical Context</i><br> <br> <i>Attached Documents</i><br> Below are recordings of two wars songs which were popular during WWI. <br><br> "When I Get Back to the USA," by Billy Murray (2:40).<br> "Over There," by Nora Bayes (2:52).<br><br> <i>Question to consider</i><br> 1. Explain why the war was a theme in popular culture. Can you name some other songs that were written about war? Why doesn't this theme appear in contemporary popular culture?      Billy Murray - When I Get Back To The U.S.A.mp3        Nora Bayes - Over There.mp3   Citations: "When I Get Back to the USA" was found on the web at http://www.firstworldwar.com/audio/whenigetbacktotheusa.htm "Over There" was found on the web at http://www.firstworldwar.com/audio/overthere.htm "When I Get Back to the USA" was found on the web at <a href="http://www.firstworldwar.com/audio/whenigetbacktotheusa.htm">http://www.firstworldwar.com/audio/whenigetbacktotheusa.htm</a><br> "Over There" was found on the web at <a href="http://www.firstworldwar.com/audio/overthere.htm">http://www.firstworldwar.com/audio/overthere.htm</a><br>

German Ambassador Count Johann von Bernstorff: letter to Robert Lansing, U.S. Secretary of State (January 31, 1917) Top Historical Context Attached Documents This is a response from The German Ambassador to the Secretary of State regarding President Wilson’s stance on unrestricted submarine warfare. Question to consider 1. How did the Germans respond to Wilson's position on unrestricted submarine warfare. Summarize in your own words. 2. What do you think the implications of such a response will be? <i>Historical Context</i><br> <br> <i>Attached Documents</i><br> This is a response from The German Ambassador to the Secretary of State regarding President Wilson’s stance on unrestricted submarine warfare. <br><br> <i>Question to consider</i><br> 1. How did the Germans respond to Wilson's position on unrestricted submarine warfare. Summarize in your own words.<br> 2. What do you think the implications of such a response will be?      German Ambassador Count Johann von Bernstorff.rtf        Alfred von Tirpitz - U-Boat Warfare.mp3   Citations: The German Ambassador Response: http://www.firstworldwar.com/source/uboat_bernstorff.htm The German Ambassador Response: <a href="http://www.firstworldwar.com/source/uboat_bernstorff.htm">http://www.firstworldwar.com/source/uboat_bernstorff.htm</a><br>

President Wilson: Address to Congress (February 3, 1917) Top Historical Context Attached Documents This is President Wilson’s response to Germany’s decision to resume unrestricted submarine warfare. Questions to consider 1. How does Wilson react the Germany's continued intention to engage in unrestricted submarine warfare? 2. What does the tone of this address suggest about preferred relationship between Germany and America, from the United States perspective at this time? <i>Historical Context</i><br> <br> <i>Attached Documents</i><br> This is President Wilson’s response to Germany’s decision to resume unrestricted submarine warfare. <br><br> <i>Questions to consider</i><br> 1. How does Wilson react the Germany's continued intention to engage in unrestricted submarine warfare?<br> 2. What does the tone of this address suggest about preferred relationship between Germany and America, from the United States perspective at this time?      President Wilson Address to Congress (February 3, 1917).rtf   Citations: Wilson's Address to Congress: http://www.firstworldwar.com/source/uboat_wilson.htm Wilson's Address to Congress: <a href="http://www.firstworldwar.com/source/uboat_wilson.htm">http://www.firstworldwar.com/source/uboat_wilson.htm</a>

Arthur Zimmermann: Decoded message text of the Zimmermann Telegram Top Historical Context Attached Documents The following is a letter the German foreign minister Arthur Zimmermann wrote to Mexico. Germany wanted to try and beat the Allied Powers before the U.S. joined. Germany thought if the U.S. were to be fighting a war against Mexico in the U.S. they would not send troops to fight in Europe. This note was published in U.S. newspapers and angered most Americans. A month later the U.S. declared war on Germany, April 4, 1917. Questions to Consider 1.What did Germany intend to resume? 2.What did Germany say Mexico would get back from the U.S? 3.Do you think this was a smart move by Germany? Why or Why not? <i>Historical Context</i><br> <br> <i>Attached Documents</i><br> The following is a letter the German foreign minister Arthur Zimmermann wrote to Mexico. Germany wanted to try and beat the Allied Powers before the U.S. joined. Germany thought if the U.S. were to be fighting a war against Mexico in the U.S. they would not send troops to fight in Europe. <br><br> This note was published in U.S. newspapers and angered most Americans. A month later the U.S. declared war on Germany, April 4, 1917.<br><br> <i>Questions to Consider</i><br> 1.What did Germany intend to resume?<br> 2.What did Germany say Mexico would get back from the U.S?<br> 3.Do you think this was a smart move by Germany? Why or Why not?<br>      Arthur Zimmermann.rtf   Citations: The Cartoon was found on the web at http://rutlandhs.k12.vt.us/jpeterso/MOREWW1/ZMMRMN.JPG The Zimmerman Telegram was found at http://www.classbrain.com/artteenst/publish/article_100.shtml The Cartoon was found on the web at <a href="http://rutlandhs.k12.vt.us/jpeterso/MOREWW1/ZMMRMN.JPG">http://rutlandhs.k12.vt.us/jpeterso/MOREWW1/ZMMRMN.JPG</a><br> The Zimmerman Telegram was found at <a href="http://www.classbrain.com/artteenst/publish/article_100.shtml">http://www.classbrain.com/artteenst/publish/article_100.shtml</a>

The Espionage Act (May 16, 1917) Top Historical Context Attached Document The following act was passed by Congress shortly after the United States declared war on Germany in April, 1917. Congress passed this to silence people who did not support the war in the U.S. Questions to consider 1. Do you think this Act was necessary or wise? Explain your answer. 2. Discuss the impact of war on civil liberties. <i>Historical Context</i><br> <br> <i>Attached Document</i><br> The following act was passed by Congress shortly after the United States declared war on Germany in April, 1917. Congress passed this to silence people who did not support the war in the U.S. <br><br> <i>Questions to consider</i><br> 1. Do you think this Act was necessary or wise? Explain your answer.<br> 2. Discuss the impact of war on civil liberties.      The Espionage Act.rtf   Citations: The Espionage Act was found on the web at www.ku.edu/carrie/docs/texts/esp1918.htm The Espionage Act was found on the web at <a href="www.ku.edu/carrie/docs/texts/esp1918.htm">www.ku.edu/carrie/docs/texts/esp1918.htm</a>

Woodrow Wilson: Fourteen Points (January 8, 1918) Top Historical Context Attached Document The following is President Wilson’s plan to end World War I; The Fourteen Points. He delivered this plan to congress January 8, 1918 after an armistice was signed to stop the war in Europe November 11, 1918. Questions to Consider 1.What reason did Wilson give for the United States entering the war? 2.Why did Wilson want “Absolute freedom of navigation” (point II)? 3.What did Wilson want to be created? Why? <i>Historical Context</i><br> <br> <i>Attached Document</i><br> The following is President Wilson’s plan to end World War I; The Fourteen Points. He delivered this plan to congress January 8, 1918 after an armistice was signed to stop the war in Europe November 11, 1918.<br><br> <i>Questions to Consider</i><br> 1.What reason did Wilson give for the United States entering the war?<br> 2.Why did Wilson want “Absolute freedom of navigation” (point II)?<br> 3.What did Wilson want to be created? Why?      Woodrow Wilson Fourteen Points .rtf   Citations: Wilson's "Fourteen Points" was found on the web at www.lib.byu.edu/~rdh/wwi/1918/14points.html Wilson's "Fourteen Points" was found on the web at <a href="www.lib.byu.edu/~rdh/wwi/1918/14points.html">www.lib.byu.edu/~rdh/wwi/1918/14points.html</a><br>

Peace Treaty of Versailles: Articles 159-213; Military, Naval and Air Clauses Top Historical Context After World War I ended a peace conference was held in Paris. At this peace Conference the Big 4 (President Wilson from the U.S., Prime Minister David Lloyd George from Great Britain, Premier Georges Clemenceau from France, and Prime Minister Vittorio Orlando from Italy) dominated the peace talks. The Treaty of Versailles was the treaty that Germany signed. The terms of the treaty were very harsh and disliked by Germans. The Treaty of Versailles made many German soldiers, like Adolf Hitler, bitter about the results of World War I. Attached Document Included here are elements of the Versailles Treaty. Questions to Consider 1.What do these clauses deal with? 2.Why do you think the Big 4 wanted to limit Germany’s military? 3.How many officers was Germany able to have? 4.How many guns and ammunition could they have? 5.When did they have to have it reduced to that amount? <i>Historical Context</i><br> After World War I ended a peace conference was held in Paris. At this peace Conference the Big 4 (President Wilson from the U.S., Prime Minister David Lloyd George from Great Britain, Premier Georges Clemenceau from France, and Prime Minister Vittorio Orlando from Italy) dominated the peace talks. The Treaty of Versailles was the treaty that Germany signed. The terms of the treaty were very harsh and disliked by Germans. <br><br>The Treaty of Versailles made many German soldiers, like Adolf Hitler, bitter about the results of World War I. <br><br> <i>Attached Document</i><br>Included here are elements of the Versailles Treaty.<br><br> <i>Questions to Consider</i><br> 1.What do these clauses deal with?<br> 2.Why do you think the Big 4 wanted to limit Germany’s military?<br> 3.How many officers was Germany able to have?<br> 4.How many guns and ammunition could they have?<br> 5.When did they have to have it reduced to that amount?      Peace Treaty of Versailles.rtf   Citations: The Treaty of Versailles was found on the web at http://www.lib.byu.edu/~rdh/wwi/versa/versa4.html The Treaty of Versailles was found on the web at <a href="http://www.lib.byu.edu/~rdh/wwi/versa/versa4.html">http://www.lib.byu.edu/~rdh/wwi/versa/versa4.html</a>

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