Closing the Deal

Despite determined efforts by the Germans to pull off a last-minute victory, the writing is on the wall by late 1918. Germany's supply sources in the Balkans have been cut off, and more Americans are arriving every day.

By November, German troops are demoralized, and refuse to carry out attacks. Out of options, Germany's Kaiser Wilhelm finally abdicates, and flees to neutral Netherlands. Without leadership, the war is over.

It's apparent to the whole world that America is key to ending the war. Others do most of the fighting, and sustain the losses, but it's the Yanks that turn the tide. President Wilson is suddenly the hero.

Travelling to Paris for the peace negotiations, he's astonished by the enthusiastic reception, hailed as the savior of Europe. He arrives with a grand 14-point plan for the future, but leaves without a deal, sorely disappointed.


	After the War America enjoys a huge boost in pride for the key role it plays in defeating the Germans. There's no damage to the American homeland, and every prospect for growing leadership in world affairs. By contrast, Europe has virtually bankrupted itself during four long years of war. America also has large war debts, but no damage to repair. On balance, this leaves America in a much stronger economic position. Beyond that, American farmers have benefitted throughout the war from out-sized grain exports.



	Wilson in Paris No one is more astonished than President Wilson at the enthusiastic welcome he receives upon his arrival in France, for peace negotiations. Celebration is in the air, with grand parades viewed from royal coaches. It seems he can walk on water. The enthusiasm dissipates, however, when he presents his cumbersome 14-point plan for peace. An academic at heart, the former university president discovers that his grand design to restore order to Europe is not in accord with the desires of the British and French leaders. They are determined to extract revenge. The horrible war is all Germany's fault, they argue, and Germany should pay through the nose for the damage it has needlessly inflicted.


	Ominous Failure It takes six months to finalize details of the peace treaty ending the war, which is hashed out in the Versailles Palace. German delegates are not even allowed to participate, and the punishment eventually imposed on Germany is considered excessive by many. Germany is required to disarm completely, and pay huge sums over the coming years in so-called 'war reparations.' Six months later, the much-heralded League of Nations is created to maintain a lasting peace in Europe. Despite President Wilson's strong support, however, the US Senate refuses to ratify the treaty. The League's influence declines over time, and it's finally abandoned.


	Seeking Voting Rights Among the great winners in the war are women. Having proven their abilities while supporting the war effort at home, they are now enjoying an elevated status in society. Previously, a woman's place was in the home, raising the children. But now, women seem to be everywhere, dressed in white and parading through the streets, determined to assume a more expansive role. The wave of enthusiasm spreads, and legislation to give women the right to vote is proposed even before the war ends. Initial efforts narrowly fail, but President Wilson continues to press the issue, and a bill finally passes in 1919. It's ratified by the states 15 months later, to become the 19th Amendment.


	The Troubles Begin One of the ominous results of the war is the complete disintegration of the Russian Empire. After centuries of rule by a succession of Tsars, Russia is overtaken by civil war. This begins before the end of World War One, and results in Russia's immediate withdrawal from the war effort, nearly enabling Germany to win. After great internal turmoil, the Bolshevik Party in Russia is able to take control, headed by Lenin. This is a complicated, rolling event called the Russian Revolution. It begins with the establishment of local so-called 'soviets' (workers' councils) which are intended to bring power to the people. It ends with Lenin taking complete control of the government, after three years of 'Red Terror' carried out by the Red Army.


	Senseless Slaughter The First World War is shocking in many ways. Military casualties reach 20 million, and civilians deaths add another 10 million. More shocking yet is the near total lack of any important result. It's the biggest display of senseless slaughter the world has ever known. German submarines sink 13 million tons of mostly-neutral shipping, the gas attacks are ghastly, and the pall of death hangs over Europe for the following decade. To make it all seem worthwhile, it's now hailed as 'the war to end all wars.' Surely, mankind will never again go down this road. Sadly, it will. There is, however, one hopeful result. The end of empire. The Russian, German and Ottoman (Turkish) empires don't survive the war, while those of Britain, France and Italy gradually wither away.