The United States entered the Great War after intercepting the Zimmerman Note intended to reach Mexico, stating it would help the Mexicans reclaim their land from the US if they declared war on them. Other factors that contributed to America's entry include the Germans' sinking of the Lusitania, propaganda, and their alliance with Britain. Once in the war, America proved their industrial strength to the world and ultimately swayed the battle towards the Allies' favor. Below you will find how the nation's boom in industry impacted various aspects that led them to victory.
THE MACHINE
GUN EFFECT Before rifling in barrels was invented, the firearms the world used were wildly inaccurate. In the Revolutionary war and the civil war armies used to line up and march up to the enemy and then fire. Even then they would still miss most of their shots. War strategists adapted to this and made sure that every strategy they employed took this fact into account. Now enter The Great War, also known as World War One. The Great War started July 28, 1914, 20 years prior The first practical self-powered machine gun was invented by Sir Hiram Maxim. The "Maxim gun" used the recoil power of the previously fired bullet to reload rather than being hand-powered, enabling a much higher rate of fire than was thought possible. Maxim's gun was widely adopted, and derivative designs were used on all sides during the First World War. The design required less crew members and was lighter and more usable than the Nordenfelt and Gatling guns. The world would soon realize the killing power of the Maxim Gun. 17 million soldiers lost their lives in WW1, a good chunk of those lives were lost due to poor planning against machine guns. All out charges against the enemy line would end with soldiers being cut down in the open by an overwhelming wave of bullets. |
WEAPONS
America’s military power was a driving force that contributed greatly to the outcome of World War 1. After undergoing a revolution of industry, the nation became stocked with weapons and goods that were eventually sent to help the Allies as early as 1914. Rifles, grenades, machine guns, tanks, bayonets, and more created by factories in the US were shipped overseas and then used on the battlefield against the weaker and unprepared Central Powers. |
MASS PRODUCTION
The creation of the assembly line by Henry Ford paved the way for the mass production of motor vehicles, which became a vital component in winning the war. These automobiles and trucks that America produced were used by the Allies for transport, supply, and for military use by converting the vehicles into tanks and aircraft. Everything from artillery, munitions, tanks, trucks, and places were made at alarmingly fast rates, which overwhelmed the Germans and their means of production. |
SURPLUS OF MEN
Thanks to the Industrial Revolution, the population in America grew exponentially, which meant there were several men to help fight at the warfront. Thousands were drafted and many enlisted to help win the war and bring back pride to their homeland. By the summer of 1918, around 500,000 men traveled across the Atlantic as the United States’ First Army, taking aback German generals and leaders. The U.S. troops, known as the "doughboys", brought their confidence and military strength to end the war. |
STEEL OUTPUT
In America, steel was produced three times as much as it was in Germany and Austria. This output gave an advantage to the Allies, who now had America as an ally and source to get steel needed to make shells, bullets, tanks, ships, submarines, and airplanes. The production of automobiles also depended on steel during this time of war. |
LIFE ON THE HOMEFRONT
The entire nation of America was mobilized during WW1 in an effort to win the war. Men that fell under certain requirements were forced to become soldiers in the military. This selection was usually based on age and where they worked. New agencies were established to focus on the production of food and munitions, creating nearly one million new jobs for Americans and immigrants. Organizations such as the War Labor Administration and the Women in Industry Service were formed to oversee the thousands of agencies and solve disputes. Though many were given the opportunity to work, the policies enforced ended up segregating the workforce. |
Another change the homefront underwent was in food budgeting. People were told to buy less meat, wheat, and other important staples that needed to be set aside for those fighting in the war. There was also a campaign that encouraged Americans to plant “victory gardens”, for the produce that came from each garden would lower the cost of vegetables needed by the U.S. War Department to feed soldiers. It was not only food that was preserved, but coal and gasoline as well. |
In addition to all of this, women were now playing key roles and supporting the country’s involvement in the total war. Many took up jobs in factories that in a previous time were only available to men, joined the military to serve as test pilots, and volunteer through the Red Cross to aid troops and their families. America was prepared to enter the war and win using every resource they had. |
SLIDESHOW
"America in the First World War." Ushistory.org. Independence Hall Association. Web. 03 Oct. 2016.
Lloyd, Nick. "How the U.S. Helped Win World War I." WSJ. Wsj.com, 24 Jan. 2014. Web. 03 Oct. 2016.
"Mobilizing a Nation - Boundless Open Textbook." Boundless. Web. 03 Oct. 2016.
"To What Extent Did the Industrial Revolution Change American Social, Economic & Political Life?" Education. Web. 03 Oct. 2016.
"WWI: Support from the Home Front." NCpedia Home Page. Web. 03 Oct. 2016.
Lloyd, Nick. "How the U.S. Helped Win World War I." WSJ. Wsj.com, 24 Jan. 2014. Web. 03 Oct. 2016.
"Mobilizing a Nation - Boundless Open Textbook." Boundless. Web. 03 Oct. 2016.
"To What Extent Did the Industrial Revolution Change American Social, Economic & Political Life?" Education. Web. 03 Oct. 2016.
"WWI: Support from the Home Front." NCpedia Home Page. Web. 03 Oct. 2016.
Major key industry
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