Ejercito de EE.UU. en la Primera Guerra Mundial - Historia internacional

Summary

The United States initially sought to remain neutral during World War I, despite provocations such as the sinking of the Lusitania in 1915. However, after the interception of the Zimmermann Telegram in 1917, which proposed an alliance with Mexico against the U.S., the country entered the war. The U.S. faced internal challenges, with many citizens of German and Irish descent opposing involvement. To gain public support, intense propaganda campaigns were launched, portraying war participation as a patriotic duty. Over 2 million U.S. soldiers served, with 160,000 dying, and many others suffering lifelong consequences. Despite the horrors of war, some soldiers, like Pedro Albizu Campos, went on to achieve success in their post-war lives.

Takeaways

• 😀 The United States initially sought to remain neutral during the early stages of World War I under President Woodrow Wilson's leadership.
• 😀 The sinking of the Lusitania on May 7, 1915, which killed over 160 Americans, sparked public outrage and support for joining the war.
• 😀 On January 16, 1917, Germany sent a telegram to Mexico, proposing an alliance against the U.S., which was intercepted by the British.
• 😀 Starting February 1, 1917, Germany resumed unrestricted submarine warfare, attacking any ship heading to Britain, violating U.S. neutrality.
• 😀 The U.S. broke diplomatic relations with Germany on February 3, 1917, and joined the Triple Entente's side in the war.
• 😀 A significant portion of the U.S. population had German or Irish descent, and many opposed supporting Britain in the war.
• 😀 To change public opinion, U.S. leaders used psychological manipulation and intense propaganda campaigns, led by experts like Edward Bernays.
• 😀 Propaganda framed avoiding war as cowardly and selfish, urging men to enlist as an act of honor, courage, and respect for their country.
• 😀 The U.S. military grew to over 500,000 soldiers, with more than 2 million eventually serving during the war.
• 😀 Over 160,000 U.S. soldiers died in the war, with many others suffering permanent physical or psychological damage, often due to misinformation.
• 😀 After the war, some individuals like Pedro Albizu Campos and Jack Benny rebuilt their lives, while others, like William C. Gorgas, gained recognition for their contributions during the conflict.

Q & A

Why did the United States initially try to stay neutral during World War I?

The United States initially sought to maintain neutrality during World War I under President Woodrow Wilson's leadership, believing that staying out of the conflict was the best course of action for the country.

What event increased public support in the United States for entering World War I?

The sinking of the Lusitania on May 7, 1915, which killed over 160 Americans, sparked public outcry and increased support for U.S. involvement in the war.

What was the significance of the Zimmermann Telegram?

The Zimmermann Telegram, sent by Germany to Mexico in January 1917, proposed an alliance against the United States, prompting the U.S. to reconsider its stance on neutrality and eventually join the war.

What did Germany announce on February 1, 1917, that influenced the United States' decision to join the war?

On February 1, 1917, Germany announced that it would resume unrestricted submarine warfare, targeting all ships, including those from neutral countries, which directly threatened U.S. interests.

How did the United States respond to Germany's actions in early 1917?

The United States broke diplomatic relations with Germany on February 3, 1917, and soon after joined the Triple Entente, declaring war on Germany.

Why was there a division among Americans regarding support for the war?

Over 8 million Americans had German ancestry, and around 4.5 million had Irish roots. Many of them were not supportive of joining the war against Germany, creating a divide within the country.

What role did Edward Bernays play in influencing public opinion during World War I?

Edward Bernays, a pioneer in public relations and psychological manipulation, was tasked with creating effective propaganda to sway American public opinion in favor of the war effort.

What was the main goal of the U.S. propaganda campaign during World War I?

The primary goal of the U.S. propaganda campaign was to portray those who opposed the war as selfish and cowardly, while encouraging men to enlist and women and children to support the war effort.

How many men ultimately joined the U.S. military during World War I?

Over 2 million soldiers served in the U.S. military during World War I, with more than 500,000 initially enlisting.

What were the long-term effects of the war on the soldiers who fought in it?

Many U.S. soldiers died or suffered lifelong physical and psychological scars from the war. Some, like Pedro Albizu Campos and Jack Benny, were able to rebuild their lives, but others were left with lasting trauma.