HSC Modern History Turning Points
HSC MODERN HISTORY
3. Turning points
Impacts of the entry of the USA and of the Russian withdrawal
ENTRY OF USA
Background:
Traditionally, US had maintained a policy of isolationism to avoid involvement in Euro conflict
Entered war on the side of the Allies 6th April 1917. Declared ‘Peace without Victory’ and tried to act as mediator earlier in war but rejected by both sides.
Reason for Entering:
1. G U-boat warfare in January 1917 alienated public opinion
a. Sinking of Sussex and Lusitania (May 7th 1915) – 1000+ people died 100+ of which were American
b. 200+ US merchant ships were sunk by G vessels in April 1917
2. Public opinion had become anti-German
a. Fuelled by Allies propaganda
b. Germans vicious attacks on B, F and atrocities it has committed, i.e. developed use of gas
3. Zimmerman Telegram
a. Intervened by Britain
b. G promised Mexico they would help M reclaim lost US states of New Mexico, Arizona and Texas if M became G ally if US entered war against G.
4. US had financial and commercial interests within the Allies whilst trade and loans with G stopped.
a. Munitions, steels, explosives
Impact on Entering:
Britain:
Immediate impacts:
Immediately put Allies at an advantageous position
Morale significantly boosted
New human resources available
American Expeditionary force
Headed by John J. Pershing
Found under US command leaders
Cooperated with the Allied Forces
Human supplies of ½ million US troops for battle weary F and UK troops (did not display presence until 1918)
4 million Allied troops with joint US troops against 2.5 million G troops Key role in Spring Offence and broke the Hindenburg Line
Availability of extended loans
Impact was slow as US was not prepared for war for years prior to its involvement
Its stockpile of weapons was limited and outdated
Supply of Naval Power
Naval policies had serious impact on G as it shifted balance of power in Atlantic Sea
Cooperative and effective relations and
3. Turning points
Impacts of the entry of the USA and of the Russian withdrawal
ENTRY OF USA
Background:
Traditionally, US had maintained a policy of isolationism to avoid involvement in Euro conflict
Entered war on the side of the Allies 6th April 1917. Declared ‘Peace without Victory’ and tried to act as mediator earlier in war but rejected by both sides.
Reason for Entering:
1. G U-boat warfare in January 1917 alienated public opinion
a. Sinking of Sussex and Lusitania (May 7th 1915) – 1000+ people died 100+ of which were American
b. 200+ US merchant ships were sunk by G vessels in April 1917
2. Public opinion had become anti-German
a. Fuelled by Allies propaganda
b. Germans vicious attacks on B, F and atrocities it has committed, i.e. developed use of gas
3. Zimmerman Telegram
a. Intervened by Britain
b. G promised Mexico they would help M reclaim lost US states of New Mexico, Arizona and Texas if M became G ally if US entered war against G.
4. US had financial and commercial interests within the Allies whilst trade and loans with G stopped.
a. Munitions, steels, explosives
Impact on Entering:
Britain:
Immediate impacts:
Immediately put Allies at an advantageous position
Morale significantly boosted
New human resources available
American Expeditionary force
Headed by John J. Pershing
Found under US command leaders
Cooperated with the Allied Forces
Human supplies of ½ million US troops for battle weary F and UK troops (did not display presence until 1918)
4 million Allied troops with joint US troops against 2.5 million G troops Key role in Spring Offence and broke the Hindenburg Line
Availability of extended loans
Impact was slow as US was not prepared for war for years prior to its involvement
Its stockpile of weapons was limited and outdated
Supply of Naval Power
Naval policies had serious impact on G as it shifted balance of power in Atlantic Sea
Cooperative and effective relations and