Chapter 6: World War I and Beyond (1914–1920)
.Summary
In the early 1900s, Nationalism in Europe led to competition among nations. As the conflict grew, countries expanded their militaries and formed alliances with other nations. After the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand, war broke out in Europe. Because of alliances between nations, the conflict spread quickly. New technology caused a stalemate, and led to a long and deadly war. At home, the United States dealt with Americans opposed to the war, harsh treatment of those against it, and prejudice against German Americans.
The Soviet Union emerged as a communist nation and led to the Red Scare, the widespread fear that communists and radicals were plotting in the United States. The 1920 election of Warren G. Harding symbolized a return to "normalcy," but it was clear that the United States was now an economic power and could not retreat completely back into isolationism.
Chapter Outline
Section 1: From Neutrality to War. In 1914, war erupted in Europe. The conflict became a bloody stalemate fought along mud-filled trenches. The United States initially tried to remain neutral but eventually joined the war on the side of Britain and France.
Section 2: The Home Front. For the first time, the American economy was managed by the government. The war created opportunities for women and minorities. African Americans migrated to northern cities and women finally got the vote.
Section 3: Wilson, War, and Peace. President Wilson proposed a 14-point peace plan, but his Allied counterparts sought revenge and reparations. Wilson compromised on every point except his plan for a League of Nations. In the end, the U.S. Senate rejected the Treaty of Versailles.
Section 4: Effects of the War. The war was followed by a terrible influenza epidemic, an economic recession, and inflation that led to labor strikes and a Red Scare. By 1920, Americans were ready for a “return to normalcy” and elected Warren G. Harding president.
In the early 1900s, Nationalism in Europe led to competition among nations. As the conflict grew, countries expanded their militaries and formed alliances with other nations. After the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand, war broke out in Europe. Because of alliances between nations, the conflict spread quickly. New technology caused a stalemate, and led to a long and deadly war. At home, the United States dealt with Americans opposed to the war, harsh treatment of those against it, and prejudice against German Americans.
The Soviet Union emerged as a communist nation and led to the Red Scare, the widespread fear that communists and radicals were plotting in the United States. The 1920 election of Warren G. Harding symbolized a return to "normalcy," but it was clear that the United States was now an economic power and could not retreat completely back into isolationism.
Chapter Outline
Section 1: From Neutrality to War. In 1914, war erupted in Europe. The conflict became a bloody stalemate fought along mud-filled trenches. The United States initially tried to remain neutral but eventually joined the war on the side of Britain and France.
Section 2: The Home Front. For the first time, the American economy was managed by the government. The war created opportunities for women and minorities. African Americans migrated to northern cities and women finally got the vote.
Section 3: Wilson, War, and Peace. President Wilson proposed a 14-point peace plan, but his Allied counterparts sought revenge and reparations. Wilson compromised on every point except his plan for a League of Nations. In the end, the U.S. Senate rejected the Treaty of Versailles.
Section 4: Effects of the War. The war was followed by a terrible influenza epidemic, an economic recession, and inflation that led to labor strikes and a Red Scare. By 1920, Americans were ready for a “return to normalcy” and elected Warren G. Harding president.
The Century: America's Time
1914-1919 Shell Shock;
The psychological damage inflicted by the stupifying bombardments of World War I was called shell shock, a term that aptly described the feeling of the post-war world. This program illustrates America’s reluctant emergence as a world power and analyzes the impact of the wholesale sense of loss – of life, of husbands and fathers, and of sacred ideals such as honor, patriotism, and glory – that sprang from “the war to end all wars.”
Shell Shocked Pt. 1
Shell Shocked Pt. 2
Shell Shocked Pt. 3
1914-1919 Shell Shock;
The psychological damage inflicted by the stupifying bombardments of World War I was called shell shock, a term that aptly described the feeling of the post-war world. This program illustrates America’s reluctant emergence as a world power and analyzes the impact of the wholesale sense of loss – of life, of husbands and fathers, and of sacred ideals such as honor, patriotism, and glory – that sprang from “the war to end all wars.”
Shell Shocked Pt. 1
Shell Shocked Pt. 2
Shell Shocked Pt. 3