Ms. Wright World War One U.S Enters the Great War

Primary Source Analysis Murder on the High SeasZimmerman Telegram What is the document? Who wrote the document? What is the document about? How would the document affect the average American at the time it was issued? Why is this document important? Which of the MAIN causes of the war does this document best address? ( You may pick more than one) How does it address that/those MAIN causes of the war? What else is important to know about this document?

American Neutrality President Wilson announced Neutrality. Goal = Stay out of Europe’s war! Americans take sides…. Many people have pro – British sentiments Wilson’s cabinet Secretary of State W.J. Bryan favored neutrality

PROPAGANDA Information designed to influence opinion. Central Powers and Allies used propaganda. British reports in America Germans using dead bodies to make soap & Fertilizer?

Economic ties with Allies Over $2 billion loaned to Allies If Allies win - get money back $27 million loaned to Germany (midwest) Loans must be approved. −Americans still want to stay out of the fighting!

What is a Blockade? British Blockade −British Navy blockaded Germany to block supplies. −Planted mines in the North Sea −Forced ships into port −Broadened definition of contraband or prohibited materials ALL THIS IS DONE TO PREVENT GERMANY FROM RECEIVING GOODS!

German Aggression at Sea Germany knows Allies depend on food and supplies from the U.S. Goal = Strangle Trade, starve French & British into quitting. Germany introduces U-Boats (unterseeboot) In February 1915, Germany announced they would sink ANY ship around Britain.

Sinking of the Lusitania May 7, 1915 – Lusitania ( British boat carrying travelers) entered the war zone. German submarine fired on the ship. 1,200 passengers killed, 128 Americans killed. IS IT TIME TO FIGHT???? Wilson sent notes to Germany.

Sussex Pledge…. Sussex −March 1916 – French passenger ship torpedoed. Americans injured. Sussex Pledge −Germany wants to keep U.S out of war, U.S wants to stay out −Germany agreed to stop sinking merchant ships w/o warning Wilson re-elected on campaign promise to keep the U.S out of war.

Zimmerman Telegram January 1917 – German official Arthur Zimmerman telegraphed the German ambassador in Mexico. Make Mexico an offer to join the war Mexico would regain “lost territory of New Mexico, Texas, and Arizona” Occupy American troops British intelligence intercepted message leaked it to American newspapers.

Unrestricted Submarine Warfare Resumes Germany thinks an aggressive blockade will end the war in 4-6 months. Knew this might bring U.S in February 3 – March 21 st −German U-Boats sank six American merchant ships w/o warning. −Is it time to go to war yet????

April 2, 1917 President Wilson asked Congress for a Declaration of war against Germany. Senate – 82 to 6 House – 373 to 50

Turn and Talk Turn to a partner and discuss the following…. List 3 reasons the U.S went to war with Germany.

The Home front Jot Notes – For each category you will write (jot down) the two (or three) most important facts. i.e Building the Military 1.The U.S declared war against Germany in April The U.S applied progressive ideas to fighting the war.

Selective Service 1.Selective Service Act of 1917 required all men between 21 and 30 to register for the draft. 2.Conscription is forced military service million Americans were drafted. 2 million others volunteered for military service.

American Propaganda

Who is this targeting?

Women in the Military Women enlisted in military Noncombat positions. Navy vs Army

Role of Women

What is the message?

How can people on the home front help?

Letter to Congress Write a letter to Congress urging the United States to either A. Enter the war or B.) Remain neutral and stay out of Europe’s war.