As you have learned in the last module, by 1917, World War I had settled into a stalemate. Neither side was able to gain an advantage.  For Germany, the key to winning the war settled on developments outside Europe in Russia and the United States.  Russia, with its vast territories had proven difficult to conquer.  In March of 1917, under pressure from its people the Tsar, Nicholas II was forced to abdicate.  The Provincial government of Russia was willing to continue the war, but was facing an internal threat in the person of Valdimir Lenin and the Bolsheviks. (Communists).  By October of 1918 it appeared that the Communists would seize power.  This presented the Kaiser, William II with a problem.  What should Germany’s policy be towards the new Russian government?  Peace or a continuation of the war?  This decision would have important ramifications for Germany.

 The United States had remained neutral when the war broke out in 1914.  The United States supplied each side with munitions and supplies, but lately due to strength of the British Navy, was shipping war goods to Britain and France only.  The American president, Woodrow Wilson had been re-elected in 1916 with the pledge that “he had kept us (United States) out of the war.”  Germany possessed a lethal weapon, the U-Boat or submarine that could disrupt American shipping to Britain and France.  The use of unrestricted submarine warfare on the United States could bring them into the war on the side of Britain and France.  Should Germany attack American vessels on the high seas and risk American entry into the war?

Assignment 6.03 - Lenin and Wilson

You are an analyst for the German High Command in 1917 in Germany.  You have sent your spies to Russia and the United States to bring you information on how Germany can capitalize on events and sentiment in those two countries to benefit Germany's war effort.  It is your job to recommend a course of action to ensure Germany's political and military advantage.   The challenge is to draw a plan recommending what Germany’s policy should be towards Russia and the United States and how they will effect the war's outcome.  Your analysis should include information on both Lenin and Woodrow Wilson.

Your written report will include analysis of the situations in each country, Germany's needs, your recommendations and expected outcomes, risk analysis, and what really happened.  Organize your report with the following sections:  Background, Germany’s needs, recommendations, expected outcomes and risk analysis.  At the end of the report, explain what really happened according to your history book or other historical sources.