The Other Side of WWI

On 1914  Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria was assassinated which lead to the start of WWI.

The US remained neutral.

In 1915 the Lusitania was sunk by a German submarine, killing over 120 Americans which lead to the US entering the war on 1917.

US joined the Allies in 1917. The Allies were: England, France, Russia and China. Russia leaves in 1917 because of its Communist Revolution or Civil War.

The Central powers were: Germany, Austria, Hungary, Turks and Japan.

WWI ended on 1918 with the signing of an armistice.

The Treaty of Versailles was signed on 1919 were Britain, France and Italy charged Germany with severe economic penalties.

Germany is:

·         Blamed for starting the war.

·         Demilitarized.

·         Must pay fines to France, reparations.

USA:

·         Is seen as the great power.

·         Britain wanted President Wilson to be governor of the world in the League of Nations, which is like the early UN.

o   Wilson wanted the US to join the League of Nations but the Senate refused.

In the film Johnny Got His Gun (1971) we see Johnny who joins the Army but he is severely injured and he lies in a hospital bed narrating his thoughts and remembering his life.

This film was not popular because it was highly controversial at the time. The film became popular when parts of it were used for the Metallica One music video.

Another movie related to WWI were Legends of the fall which takes tome from before WWI to the 1930’s.