Unit 5: Imperialism & WWI 1.7.16

America in WWI

WWI Causes 4 MAIN underlying causes of WWI in Europe Militarism Alliances Imperialism Nationalism

The Sides Central Powers Germany Austria- Hungary Ottoman Empire Bulgaria Allied Powers France Russia Great Britain Italy

President Wilson Initially really didn’t want the U.S. to go to war Campaigned on keeping U.S. out of war War progressed, American opinions changed

Toward Intervention As the war continued, America began to lean toward Britain and France

The Economy During the war, trade with the allies tripled Allies had to ask the U.S. for credit Wilson agreed – loaned France and Britain $

America’s decision to enter the war: Reason 1 Sinking of the Lusitania British passenger liner Sunk by German sub 1,200 died, including 128 Americans

Reasons for sinking the Lusitania The German Embassy had warned passengers: [Summarize this:]Travelers intended to embark for an Atlantic voyage are reminded that a state of war exists between Germany and her allies and Great Britain and her allies.... Vessels flying the flag of Great Britain or any of her allies are liable to destruction. Recent research: the ship was carrying arms to Britain

America’s decision to enter the war: Reason 2 Unrestricted German submarine attacks Attacks without warning Germany first promised to give warning, then changed its mind

America’s decision to enter the war: Reason 3 Zimmerman note German plot to provoke Mexico to war against US Significance – changed public opinion in U.S.

Finally, war German submarine attacks on three more U.S. ships were the final straw Wilson asked Congress to declare war on April 6, 1917

Expectations Germany thought war would be over in 5 months This would mean the U.S. wouldn’t have time to mobilize Wilson was particularly interested in crafting the peace agreement at the end of the war

Pre-War America When America entered the war in 1917, we had just over 100,000 troops Smaller than 16 other countries Congress had to institute the draft Within a year, America had an army of 5 million

As America enters, Russia exits Russian Revolution Bolsheviks, led by Lenin, took over Signed a peace treaty with Germany Significance: Let Germany fight a one- front war