Russian Revolution - Russians were in a bad economic state when the war began

after three years of fighting rebellions in Russia. After the Romanovs were

assassinated, Lenin came to power. He signed a peace treaty with Germany called

the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk in 1918. This early withdrawal from the war will

cause Russia to lose war reparations (payments) after the war is over.

U.S Entry - Early in the war Britain and France had set up naval blockades to

stop any shipments to Germany. The U.S. was not thrilled with the interruption of

trade, but the rest of Europe was buying up U.S. products U.S. economy was

flourishing.

Germany had developed the U-Boat or submarine and began sinking

British ships. In 1915 Germany sank the British ship the Lusitania, which was

carrying weapons as well as passengers. More than 1,000 civilians were killed

along with 139 Americans. U.S. demanded Germany halt submarine warfare.

Germany relaxed its efforts to avoid drawing U.S. into the war. In 1917 Germany

became convinced they could starve Britain into surrender if they cut off supplies

to the island. They returned to submarine warfare and began annihilating British

merchant ships. President Wilson addressed Congress, German submarine

warfare against commerce is a war against mankind. U.S. enters the war in April

1917.

Most Americans supported the Allies, but German Americans supported

the Central Powers. So did Irish Americans who didnt want to align themselves

with England.
 Zimmerman Telegram - In 1917 Britain intercepted a message from the German

foreign minister. Arthur Zimmerman, to his ambassador in Mexico. Zimmerman

had promised Mexico that in return for their support in the war the return of

Mexican land from the U.S. This telegram caused intense anti-German feelings in

the U.S.

Social Impact - The demand for workers led to higher wages and poor people

were actually better off financially than before the war. Rationing and food

shortages existed, especially in Germany where many people starved to death.

The producing for the war continued.

Women were needed in factories and also as merchants, bankers, and

police officers. For the first time in history women became highly visible. Their

contributions to the war effort were recognized by their countries. Britain,

Germany, and Austria all granted women the right to vote immediately following

war.

Homefront - Thanks to the industrial Revolution WWI produced many new

weapons. Mechanized war also meant