American Neutrality and Entry into World War I >>>>U.S.A. Remains Neutral >>>>U.S.A. Joins the Allies

American Neutrality U.S. didn’t want to get involvedU.S. didn’t want to get involved –“Its Europe’s Problem!” –Good for the Economy Business could sell supplies to both sidesBusiness could sell supplies to both sides Banks could loan money to both sidesBanks could loan money to both sides –1/3 of Americans are immigrants, or children of immigrants Support for both sides of the warSupport for both sides of the war

German U-Boats and England Since the beginning of the war…Germany used U-Boats to attack cargo ships in the AtlanticSince the beginning of the war…Germany used U-Boats to attack cargo ships in the Atlantic –They hoped to cut off supplies to the Allies in Europe Unrestricted Submarine WarfareUnrestricted Submarine Warfare –Attacking any ship in the combat zone around England

Unrestricted Submarine Warfare May 7, 1915….Germany U- boat sinks the British passenger ship Lusitania –1,198 Dead –128 were American citizens –Germans claim the Lusitania was carrying ammunition U.S.A. is outraged Demands Germany stops Unrestricted Submarine Warfare…which they do…until 1917

Preparedness (AKA Mobilization) In 1915 U.S. Army = 80,000 MenIn 1915 U.S. Army = 80,000 Men Teddy Roosevelt (Former President) led the Preparedness MovementTeddy Roosevelt (Former President) led the Preparedness Movement –Being prepared for war was the best way to guarantee peace President Wilson eventually began preparing for warPresident Wilson eventually began preparing for war –Double the size of the Army –Begin Construction of new war ships –Wilson is elected again in 1916 because of this idea of preparedness

Unrestricted Submarine Warfare..Round #2 Germany resumes Unrestricted Submarine Warfare in 1917 The Germans hope to starve England out of the war before the U.S.A. intervenes

Zimmermann Note February 1917 England intercepted a telegram from Germany to Mexico called the Zimmermann noteFebruary 1917 England intercepted a telegram from Germany to Mexico called the Zimmermann note This “note” suggested that if the U.S.A. declares war on Germany that Mexico would invade the United StatesThis “note” suggested that if the U.S.A. declares war on Germany that Mexico would invade the United States

United States Declares War Germany continues to sink American and neutral ships throughout march 1917Germany continues to sink American and neutral ships throughout march 1917 Russia drops out of the war, many Americans feel that the Central powers will win the warRussia drops out of the war, many Americans feel that the Central powers will win the war Anger over u-boat attacks, and the Zimmermann Note cause Americans to scream for actionAnger over u-boat attacks, and the Zimmermann Note cause Americans to scream for action Congress votes for war on April 2, 1917Congress votes for war on April 2, 1917 President Wilson signs the War declaration on April 6, 1917 and the U.S. enters WWIPresident Wilson signs the War declaration on April 6, 1917 and the U.S. enters WWI The U.S. would be in WWI until it’s end in November 1918The U.S. would be in WWI until it’s end in November 1918