The World War 1 Years

Imperialism in Africa

• Many major nations were in races to build colonies throughout the world

• This was known as IMPERIALISM

• The continent of Africa was a prime target for its resources

Imperialism in Africa (cont’d)

• The African people were exploited (taken advantage of) and forced to collect resources

• By 1914 only 2 African nations – Liberia & Ethiopia – remained independent.

Pan-Africanism

• Angry at this imperialism, people joined in protest

• Among them was W.E.B. Dubois initiated the idea that:– People of African heritage around the globe

should work together to achieve freedom & equality

African-Americans in WW1

• 92nd Infantry arrived in France in 1918.– Used mainly to build roads. Some fought against

Germans.

– 93rd Division’s 369th Infantry = “Harlem Hell Fighters”• 1st all-black U.S. Combat unit overseas

African-Americans in WW1

• British & American Soldiers refused to fight with the “Harlem Hell Fighters”

• French were used to fighting with African’s from their colonies

• 369th were then integrated (mixed in) with the French troops

369th Achievements

• The unit spent 191 days fighting on the front lines

• Became 1st Allied unit to fight through enemy lines to Rhine River in Germany

• 171 members received “Legion of Honor”, France’s highest award

• 1500 Harlem Hell Fighters died in combat

Black Nurses

• Weren’t used until just before end of the war

• September 1918 – worldwide flu epidemic broke out

• 18 black nurses sent to Ohio & Illinois tended both white & black patients

The Great War ends

• WW1 ended the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month

• Blacks received little recognition for their efforts during the war

• Blacks refused to march in the back of a victory parade