The United States in World War I Chapter 18 Section 2 The First World War Riddlebarger

United States Stays Neutral Americans saw the war as a European conflict President Wilson declared we were neutral American isolationism- policy of not being involved in the affairs of other nations. United States Stays Neutral Lusitania sinking will test this policy 1200 die; 128 are American Why was the ship sunk?

Leaning Toward the Allies President Wilson favors the Allies Concerned about German tactics Deeper political, cultural and economic ties to Britain and France Financially, the U.S. was not neutral U.S. did business with both sides, particularly the British They are buying $75 million in war goods/week by 1917

German Submarine Warfare British blockade of Germany causes them great suffering Germany responds with use of U-boats (submarines) Begins sinking all enemy ships encountered and warns neutral ships in war zone that they may be targeted too Unrestricted submarine warfare This angers most Americans Wilson felt it violated our neutrality After Lusitania is sunk, he demands an end to it

Sussex Pledge Facing international criticism, Germany relents on unrestricted submarine warfare Agree to attack only (war) supply ships Less than a year late, a French ship is attacked, killing 80 people Wilson threatens Germany again Fearing the U.S. may join the Allies, they make the Sussex Pledge Promised not to sink merchant ships “without warning and without saving human lives.”

Wilson’s re-election Wilson campaigned promising not to send American boys to die in Europe. He kept us out of war Rival, Charles Evans Hughes, takes a pro-war position Wilson wins a close election After his election, he attempts to get the sides to settle the war; “peace without victory” Angers Allies who blame Germans for starting the war German then ends unrestricted submarine warfare and U.S. will end diplomatic relations.

The Zimmermann Note German telegram intercepted that proposed an alliance between Mexico and Germany Promises Mexico lost territories (New Mexico, Arizona & Texas) Germany hopes this would keep US out of war in Europe Mexico showed no interest in fighting Publication of excerpts of proposal arouse American support for war.

To the German Minister to Mexico Berlin, January 19, 1917 On the first of February we intend to begin submarine warfare unrestricted.  In spite of this, it is our intention to endeavour to keep neutral the United States of America. If this attempt is not successful, we propose an alliance on the following basis with Mexico: That we shall make war together and together make peace.  We shall give general financial support, and it is understood that Mexico is to reconquer the lost territory in New Mexico, Texas, and Arizona.  The details are left to you for settlement... You are instructed to inform the President of Mexico of the above in the greatest confidence as soon as it is certain that there will be an outbreak of war with the United States and suggest that the President of Mexico, on his own initiative, should communicate with Japan suggesting adherence at once to this plan; at the same time, offer to mediate between Germany and Japan. Please call to the attention of the President of Mexico that the employment of ruthless submarine warfare now promises to compel England to make peace in a few months. Zimmermann (Secretary of State) Source: Source Records of the Great War, Vol. V, ed. Charles F. Horne, National Alumni 1923

United States declares war Uprising in Russia forces Czar from power and raised concerns of how long Russia will stay in the war More American like the idea of joining Allies now that a more democratic government is in Russia mid-March 1917, 3 more American ships sunk April 2: Wilson asks Congress for war make the world “safe for democracy” Congress approves on April 6, 1917

“ The world be made safe for democracy.” The war resolution passes by a wide margin and is signed by Wilson on April 6th.

Americans in Europe

Raising an army Selective Service Act: requires men between the ages of 21 and 30 to register to be drafted into the armed services. Some go willingly Others asked to be “conscientious objectors” Those whose moral or religious beliefs prevented them from fighting in a war. Many were rejected by draft boards and had to choose: service or prison When they reported for duty, they often found very little ready, equipment & facility-wise Segregated Military: blacks & Latinos usually given menial jobs

Arriving in Europe American Expeditionary Force (AEF) led by John J. Pershing 1st US troops arrive in June 1917; most won’t come for much longer Convoy System used to transport troops safely Reduces number of ships sunk and increases safety of men and supplies Will be nearly a year before US troops in full combat US helps tilt balance of power in favor of Allies.

American military women Some women sign up to serve overseas. Communications (switchboard operators) Nurses Typists, bookkeepers, electricians Army, Navy Marines

The War Ends

The Armistice Later summer and into fall of 1918, Americans help Allies push Germans back The war is crippling the German economy; lack of civilian food & supplies Strikes & riots in Germany; revolt in Austria-Hungary Central Powers begin surrendering Early November, Austria-Hungary signs peace agreement November 11, the guns fell silent as Germany signs armistice (cease-fire) Some of the celebration was muted by the tragedy that was the war Around 8.5 million dead “The war to end all wars”???

“There came a second of expectant silence, and then a curious rippling sound...it was the sound of men cheering from the Vosges [mountain range] to the sea.” -John Buchan (Allied Soldier), The King’s Grace, 1935