The First American Shots Of WW1 - Guam And The Cormoran I THE GREAT WAR Special

TL;DR

The first US shots in WW1 were fired in Guam.

Transcript

This special episode of the Great War is sponsored by the Guam Visitors Bureau. The United States joined World War One April 6, 1917 and made preparations to face the enemy, but the first shots fired by Americans against that enemy happened not in Europe, but all the way around the world on the island of Guam. I’m Indy Neidell; welcome to a Great W... Read More

Key Insights

• The first shots fired by Americans in WW1 occurred in Guam, not Europe, highlighting the global nature of the conflict.
• The SMS Cormoran, a German cruiser, sought refuge in Guam due to coal shortages and the loss of German Pacific colonies.
• Guam's neutral status in 1914 allowed the Cormoran's crew to stay, leading to a cultural blend on the island.
• Tensions between the Cormoran's crew and Guam's governor arose over funds and international law, but the crew integrated peacefully with locals.
• The US declaration of war on Germany in 1917 led to the first American shots against Germans, fired at Guam.
• The Cormoran was scuttled by its crew to prevent capture, resulting in the loss of seven German sailors.
• Guam's involvement in WW1 extended beyond the Cormoran, including forming a militia and selling war bonds.
• The Cormoran's wreck, alongside a WW2 Japanese ship, is now a popular diving site and a historical landmark.

Questions & Answers

Q: Why did the SMS Cormoran seek refuge in Guam?

The SMS Cormoran sought refuge in Guam due to a combination of factors. After losing German Pacific colonies to Allied forces, the ship had no safe ports to resupply. Additionally, constant pursuit by Japanese warships led to a critical shortage of coal, forcing the Cormoran to seek a neutral harbor.

Q: How did the crew of the Cormoran integrate with the local population in Guam?

The crew of the Cormoran integrated with the local population in Guam by participating in the island's social life. They moved freely about the island, treated the native Chamorros with respect, and even participated in local events. This led to cultural exchanges, with some crew members marrying locals, creating a unique blend of cultures.

Q: What led to the first shots fired by Americans in WW1?

The first shots fired by Americans in WW1 were a result of the US declaring war on Germany on April 6, 1917. When the Cormoran's crew refused to surrender to the US forces in Guam, a small launch from the Cormoran ignored orders to stop, prompting American marines to fire warning shots, marking the first US shots against Germans in the war.

Q: What happened to the SMS Cormoran after the US declared war on Germany?

After the US declared war on Germany, the crew of the SMS Cormoran decided to scuttle the ship to prevent its capture by American forces. They detonated explosives hidden on board, causing the ship to sink in Apra Harbor. Seven crew members drowned, but most survived and were taken prisoner, eventually being sent to the US mainland.

Q: How did Guam contribute to the US war effort in WW1?

Guam contributed to the US war effort in WW1 by forming a militia consisting of 920 Chamorros and participating in war bond sales, raising $70,000. Despite its remote location, the island played a role in supporting the US military efforts, reflecting the global reach of the conflict.

Q: What impact did the Spanish Flu have on Guam after WW1?

The Spanish Flu had a devastating impact on Guam after WW1. The pandemic reached the island via an American ship, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,000 inhabitants. This tragedy highlighted the island's vulnerability to global events and the widespread impact of the pandemic during that period.

Q: What is the current status of the SMS Cormoran wreck?

The wreck of the SMS Cormoran now rests on its port side in Apra Harbor, alongside the Japanese cargo ship Tokai Maru, which was sunk during WW2. The site is a popular diving destination, offering a unique opportunity to explore two shipwrecks from different world wars, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Q: How did the presence of the Cormoran affect Guam's strategic significance?

The presence of the Cormoran in Guam highlighted the island's strategic significance in the Pacific. The quick capture of German possessions by Japan raised concerns among the Allies, particularly the US and Great Britain. This led to the US Naval Board's estimation that defending Guam would require a significant military presence, foreshadowing future conflicts in the region.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The SMS Cormoran, a German cruiser, sought refuge in Guam during WW1 due to coal shortages and the loss of German Pacific colonies. Its crew integrated with the local population, leading to a unique cultural blend on the island.

• In 1917, following the US declaration of war on Germany, the first American shots against Germans in WW1 were fired in Guam. The Cormoran was scuttled by its crew to avoid capture, marking the end of its journey.

• Guam's involvement in WW1 included forming a militia and selling war bonds. The wreck of the Cormoran, alongside a Japanese ship from WW2, is now a popular diving site, commemorating the island's historical significance.