Causes of America’s entry into WWI
Why did it take so long for America to get involved in the war? America was isolationist. “Why should I get involved in someone else’s problems?” The Monroe Doctrine (1823) sought to isolate “the American continents” from European influences and problems. Britain and France bought products in great amounts. American bankers gave private loans to Allied Powers. In this cartoon, “The Great Wall” (1914), the Monroe Doctrine is shown as a protective shield for the United States.
Thinking Slide: Is isolationism really an option for a country as powerful as the United States? What are the disadvantages of isolationism? What are the advantages?
The American Response to WWI Neutrality! Economic, cultural and linguistic ties with Britain Most Americans were anti-German, especially after they discover plans for industrial sabotage. Wilson was re-elected in 1916 On the Slogan “He Kept us out of the War”
What pulled America into the War Unlimited Submarine (u-boat) warfare The sinking of the Lusitania Sussex Pledge is broken The Zimmerman Telegram
Unlimited Submarine (u-boat) warfare According to international law civilian ships must be warned before sinking – allowing for passengers to escape to safety. Germany was not doing this!
Captured German U-boat in a British dry dock
The Sinking of the Lusitania British passenger liner that set sail from New York carrying American citizens. It was sunk without warning on May 7, 1915 off the coast of Ireland 1,198 lost; 128 US citizens Germans claimed the Lusitania was carrying contraband (war materials: guns, ammunition…) She secretly was!
United States Navy War Propaganda Poster With the Lusitania in the background
RESULT of the Sinking of the Lusitania Germany despite promises sunk another ship – The Sussex, killing 2 Americans President Wilson protested & Germany issued the Sussex Pledge – not “to sink merchant or passenger ships without warning and without saving human lives”
Sussex Pledge The Sussex Pledge broken: February 1, 1917 Germany continued unlimited submarine warfare
Zimmerman Telegram January-March 1917, Britain intercepts telegram from German Foreign Minister Arthur Zimmermann to the German Minister to Mexico, von Eckhardt, offering Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas to Mexico in return for joining the war with Germany. AMERICANS WERE OUTRAGED!!!
America Declares War April 2, 1917 April 6, 1917 President Wilson asked Congress for a declaration of war April 6, 1917 Congress declares war against Germany
U.S. Mobilizes for War Selective Service Act is passed in Congress- men between 21 and 30 can be drafted War Industries Board meets war demand Raise taxes and issue liberty bonds
U.S. Enters the War General John J. Pershing leads the U.S. troops, known as the American Expeditionary Force (AEF) Unlike European soldiers who were fighting for three years, Americans were energetic and fresh
Treaty of Versailles On Nov. 11, 1918, fighting in World War I came to an end following the signing of an armistice between the Allies and Germany that called for a ceasefire effective at 11 a.m.– it was on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month