World War I - The Fifth Story : The Final Chapter
The United States in the Early 20th Century
<RMS Lusitania arriving in New York City in 1907>
On May 7, 1915, the British passenger liner RMS Lusitania was sunk by a German U-boat, resulting in the deaths of 1,198 passengers, including 128 Americans. This incident shocked the American public and made the U.S. realize that the war was not just a distant conflict but one that could directly impact them.
By 1916 and 1917, as the Allies (Britain and France) faced continued setbacks against Germany, the U.S. began to seriously consider entering the war. The U.S. had lent over 40 billion in today’s value) to the Allies and feared that if they lost, the loans would never be repaid. On April 6, 1917, the United States formally declared war on Germany.
U.S. Entry and the End of the War
In 1918, over 2 million American troops arrived in Europe, marking a turning point in the war. By this time, the conflict had dragged on for four years, and all sides were exhausted.
Germany, in particular, was suffering from severe shortages of food, fuel, and other critical supplies. The arrival of fresh American troops and resources tipped the balance in favor of the Allies. On November 11, 1918, an armistice was signed, ending World War I with the victory of the Allied Powers, including the United States.
Casualties of World War I
World War I resulted in staggering casualties. Approximately 5.4 million soldiers from the Allied Powers and 4.1 million from the Central Powers lost their lives. When including civilian casualties and those injured, the total number of victims exceeds 40 million. This war was the first truly global conflict, involving nations across the world. It did not happen overnight but was the result of decades of political tensions, militarism, and alliances.
The war also had profound economic consequences. For example, Britain, which had been a creditor nation before the war, ended up owing the U.S. over 100 billion today) in war debts. Meanwhile, the U.S. emerged as the world’s leading financial power, with New York replacing London as the global financial center.
Reflections on the War
Why couldn’t this war be prevented? Why was it inevitable? These questions led to the development of realist theories in international politics, emphasizing power balances and the need for preparedness. World War I was a pivotal event that reshaped the world order.
As we look ahead to discussing World War II, it is crucial to reflect on the lessons of the past. In today’s complex and volatile international landscape, we must strive to prevent such global tragedies from recurring and ensure that future generations do not face the same devastation.