America Takes Sides

Neutrality or War? Wilson was elected in 1912 with less than 50% of vote (Taft-Roosevelt split) Wilson was re-elected in 1916 as he was the President that “kept us out of war”

Which side should Americans Support? Central Powers Allied Powers Close cultural ties to GB Loved France for war help against Britain Big business loaned much $ to allies 11 million German-Americans Irish-Americans hated Great Britain US Exports to both sides:

Woodrow Wilson Speech, 1914 The people of the United States are drawn from many nations, and chiefly from the nations now at war. It is natural and inevitable that some will wish one nation, others another, to succeed in the momentous struggle. Such divisions among us would be fatal to our peace of mind and might seriously stand in the way of our duty as the one great nation at peace, the one nation ready to play a part of mediator and counselor of peace. The United States must be neutral in fact, as well as in name, during these days that are to try men's souls. We must be impartial in thought, as well as action. Source: President Woodrow Wilson, in a speech before Congress, August 19, 1914.

What it took to get US involved British Naval Blockades Britain blockaded (stopped) all German ships going to America looking for contraband (made US mad) In response, Germany announced a submarine war around Britain (US more angry)

What it took to get US involved German Submarine Warfare In May, 1915 Germany told American travelers to stay off of British ships They could/would sink them “Travelers…are reminded….vessels flying the flag of Great Britain, or her allies, are liable to destruction in those waters…(travel) at your own risk.”

What it took to get US involved Lusitania Torpedoed Lusitania torpedoed, sinking with 1200 passengers and crew (including 128 Americans) Was eventually found to be carrying 4200 cases of ammunition

What it took to get US involved Lusitania Torpedoed Wilson refused to threaten Germany, saying US was “too proud to fight”. He instead sent several official protests to Germany insisting they stop. Note in Bottle After Lusitania Disaster

What it took to get US involved Sussex Torpedoed Wilson issued a warning to stop or risk war Sussex Pledge: Germany promised to sink no more merchant ships without warning French passenger ship Sussex torpedoed by German U-Boat

What it took to get US involved Unlimited Submarine Warfare 1917 Germany announced “unlimited submarine warfare” in the war zone Why? Thought they could end war with Britain in 4-6 months if they sunk everything in sight

What it took to get US involved Zimmerman Telegram Britain intercepted a note from German ambassador , Arthur Zimmerman, to Mexico’s president asking for alliance against the US Americans were furious

Woodrow Wilson Speech, 1917 Property can be paid for; the lives of peaceful and innocent people cannot be. The present German submarine warfare against commerce is a warfare against mankind. The German policy has swept every restriction aside. Ships of every kind, whatever their flag, their character, their cargo, their destination, their errand, have been ruthlessly sent to the bottom of the ocean without warning. American ships have been sunk, American lives taken. I advise that the Congress declare the recent actions of the Imperial German Government to be, in fact, nothing less than war against the Government and people of the United States.

Neutrality is no longer feasible or desirable where the peace of the world is involved. The world must be made safe for democracy. We have no selfish ends to serve. We desire no conquest, no dominion. We seek not material compensation for the sacrifices we shall freely make. We are but one of the champions of the rights of mankind. It is a fearful, but right thing to lead this great peaceful people to war. We shall fight for the things which we have always carried nearest our hearts – for democracy, for the right of [people] to have a voice in their own government, for the rights and liberties of small nations. Source: President Woodrow Wilson, in a speech before Congress, April 2, 1917.

What it took to get US involved Zimmerman Note and the sinking of six more unarmed American ships finally led to a declaration of war (April 6, 1917) Vote was 373 to 50 in House 82 to 6 in Senate