11.3 Winning the War!

I. TOTAL WAR!
!! By 1917, the struggle continued. !! Political leaders knew victory would require waging a total war. Govt. would control economy and people s lives. HOW???
1. Make the economy committed to war production.
Make conscription- raise taxes, ration, control prices

2. Engage in an economic warfare by blockading contraband.

Britain and Germany cut off each other s supplies.

3. Women took over factory jobs. 4. Controlling public opinion with propaganda.

II. Morale Collapses!

!!By 1917, morale of troops and civilians dropped. !! Everyone is tired of the war. !! Russia suffering. Revolutions broke up, 1918, Treaty of BrestLitovsk took Russia out of WWI.

III. United States Declares War!

!! Soon after Russia backed out of WWI, the U.S. declared war on Germany. Reasons???

1. In May 1915, German submarines sunk the British ship the Lusitania, killing 128 US citizens.

2. January 1917, Germany resumes unrestricted submarine warfare

!! On April 2, 1917, President Wilson asked Congress to declare war on Germany.

3. Feb. 1917, British intercepted a telegram from German foreign minister, Arthur Zimmerman, to the German ambassador in Mexico City. The British decoded the telegram and gave it to the USA.

IV. Victory at Last!

!! March 1918 - Germans launched huge attack on Allies. !! With U.S.s help, Allies counterattacked. By September 1918, Germans realized the war could not be won. !! Germany signed an armistice at 11th hour on 11th day of 11th month in 1918.