America enters WWI

For the first 3+ years of World War One, The United States had officially remained neutral. Neutral = not helping or supporting either side; impartial. Most Americans did not want the United States to enter WWI. They felt it was a European problem/ not our fight. Many Americans had sympathies for both sides, making it difficult to support one over the other. America has a long history with Britain and France There were millions of German immigrants living in the U. S. America was able to stay out of the fighting, but still trade with all sides. America can make a lot of money as long as they stay neutral

America is brought into WWI Two events will convince/force the United States to pick sides and enter World War One. German Submarine Warfare The Zimmerman Telegram

German Submarine Warfare Throughout WWI Germany used submarines (U-Boats) to sink ships bringing supplies to England. Ships were sunk that carried American passengers and American goods The Lusitania (1915) – 128 Americans died America warns Germany not to sink civilian ships Germany refuses to stop submarine warfare, and says they will sink ANY ship headed toward England Americans were outraged

The “Zimmerman Telegram” In 1917 the British intercepted a telegram sent from Germany to Mexico. Germany was getting worried that the U.S. might enter WWI and support England/France Germany offered Mexico an alliance if they would agree to wage war on the United States. Germany promised money, and the return of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona to Mexico if they helped Germany win WWI. Americans were outraged

The United States enters WWI April 2 nd, The United States declares war on the Central Powers. Rest of Americans prepare for War. Millions of American Troops are recruited and trained. The entire manufacturing power of the United States is put towards War. (Weapons, Ammo, Planes, Ships, etc.) The U.S. Government and the Entertainment industry spend time convincing the public that they HAVE to save Europe “Making the world safe for democracy”

Spring 1918 March American troops arrive in France Called the “American Expeditionary Force” (A.E.F) Commanded by General John “Blackjack” Pershing Pershing insists that U.S. troops fight as a separate Army Americans join the fight- Americans would participate in heavy fighting in France and Western Germany throughout ~315,000 casualties in ~ 8 months of fighting