Impact of the 1918 Flu Pandemic

In 1918, the flu played a crucial role in World War I, affecting both German and Allied forces. The German offensive was stalled as half a million soldiers fell ill. The Allies launched their own offensive, but the flu also crippled American forces. In the US, the flu epidemic led to the cancellation of the draft and overwhelmed army camps like Camp Pike in Arkansas, where thousands of soldiers were sickened. Despite the severity, authorities downplayed the situation, labeling it as ordinary influenza.

What was the strategic goal of the German offensive in the spring of 1918?

• To win the war before American soldiers arrived

• To secure the Eastern Front

• To capture London

• To invade Russia

How did the flu affect the German army's advance?

• It sickened many soldiers, stalling their advance

• It boosted their morale

• It had no impact

• It provided them with new allies

What was the Meuse-Argonne offensive?

• A naval battle

• An American-led offensive

• A German defensive strategy

• A peace treaty

How did the flu impact American forces during the Meuse-Argonne offensive?

• It strengthened their resolve

• It had no effect

• It led to a quick victory

• It crippled their forces on both sides of the Atlantic

What was the consequence of the flu outbreak in American army camps?

• Immediate victory in the war

• Expansion of training programs

• Increased recruitment

• Cancellation of the draft

How many American soldiers died of the Spanish flu in October 1918?

• 500,000

• 200,000

• 50,000

• 100,000

What was the primary reason for canceling the draft in late September 1918?

• Lack of volunteers

• Victory in the war

• Flu outbreak making army camps dangerous

• Political pressure

What was the situation at Camp Pike during the flu outbreak?

• It was unaffected

• It was evacuated

• Thousands of soldiers fell ill, overwhelming the hospital

• It had a minor flu outbreak

How did the Arkansas Gazette report the flu outbreak at Camp Pike?

• As a military victory

• As a minor inconvenience

• As a severe epidemic

• As ordinary influenza by another name

What was the general public's awareness of the flu's impact on the military?

• They were indifferent

• They were misled by foreign propaganda

• They were unaware due to media downplaying

• They were fully informed