World War I was known by a number of different names. Other names for World War 1 include ‘The War to End All Wars’, The War of the Nations, WW1 and ‘The Great War’.
It is very ironic that it was called 'the war to end all wars', because nobody knew that not so far in the future, there would be a second world war.
America tried to stay out of the war. They helped other countries with money and ammunition and other goods needed, but they did not take part in the war, This all changed when the Germans sank a passenger ship called the Lusitania and 128 American citizens were killed. The Americans started putting pressure on their government to do something else than stand on the sideline and watch the destruction and loss of lives.
At that stage the president of America, Woodrow Wilson wanted to go through the war in a peaceful manner, but when Germany kept on targeting Britain and their ships, he decided to enter the ware and help to bring peace to Europe. Germany made no secret of it that they were willing to use their submarines to sink ships. On 6 April 1917 America entered the war.
Do research and answer the following questions
*What was the death toll of WWI?
*Which type of weapons were used during this war?
*What happened at the 'Battle of Somme'.
*What type of gas were used in the chemical weapons?
*When did the 'Battle of Verdun' took place. Who took part in this battle and how many men died?
The people of Germany was not happy with the ongoing war. The country's economy was falling apart and a lot of products could not come into the country since the British Navy blocked the ports. A lot of people were without food.
*Find out what is the meaning of the word 'mutiny'. Why did the German soldiers do this?
After German Emperor Kaiser Wilhelm II abdicated on November 9th, 1918, the leaders of both sides met at Compiegne, France. The peace armistice was signed on November 11th. By the end of the war four empires — the Russian empire, the Ottoman empire, the German empire, and the Austro-Hungarian empire had collapsed because of the war.
*Which Treaty was signed to end the war?
*What was Germany held responsible for?
A group of people were appointed and were called the 'League of Nations'. Their job was to make sure that there will not be another world war, which they failed at. They also helped the European countries to get back on their feet.
*When did Germany join this league?
*What happened to President Wilson when he was not allowed to join the league?
*Did Germany abide by the rules of the Treaty of Versailles?
*Watch the video for extra information and make a summary of what you have learned.
Reference and for extra information
https://kidskonnect.com/history/world-war-i/
https://www.ducksters.com/history/world_war_i/
