Essay On The Impact Of Us In Ww1

The United States’ Impact in WWI

The First World War (WWI) was one of the most devastating and world-changing conflicts in human history. It lasted for over four years and inflicted millions of deaths and casualties across Europe, as well as preceded an even greater conflict which would lead to more destruction. The war was initially fought between the Allied Powers, consisting of France, Great Britain, and Russia, and the Central Powers, consisting of Germany, Austria-Hungary, and the Ottoman Empire. However, due to German submarine attacks on American passenger and merchant ships as well as an attempted military alliance with Mexico against the U.S, the United States had to become involved in the conflict and entered the Great War in 1917.

When the United States entered the war in 1917, the both sides had already been fighting for over three years. At this point, things were not going well for the Allies, with the French Army facing a mutiny and the Russians becoming increasingly unsteady after the overthrow of the Tsar leading to the eventual loss of the Eastern front (Klein). By 1917, the French had lost 3 million men in the war and the British had lost 2 million. The Germans on the other hand had crushed the Russians and Italians and were ready to deploy 100 fresh divisions to the Eastern front to make a war winning offensive (Wawro). For the first time in the war, the Germans would have the numerical advantage (Toland xix). Overall, the Allies were emotionally, physically, and financially exhausted. The French were in revolt, the British were dwindling in strength, and Germany had just received a significant boost. Had nobody intervened, the Germans were in prime position to win the war, and the Allies would likely have had to compromise peace with Germany largely on German terms

Due to America’s industrial strength at the time, they were able to produce the resources needed to be successful in war and played a key role in providing these to the allies. In a speech made by British Prime Minister Lloyd George on April 17th, 1917, he says that America “has been making guns, making ammunition, giving us machinery to prepare both; she (America) has supplied us with steel, and she has got all that organization and she has got that wonderful facility, adaptability, and resourcefulness of the great people which inhabits that great continent.” (firstworldwar.com) His praise for America and their contribution of war resources goes to show how crucial it was to the Allie’s war effort and further highlights how important America’s involvement