America’s Road to War 23.2

America’s Position Neutral –30 million of the 92 million in the U.S. were foreign born or the children of immigrants –We were sympathetic to many of the countries involved

Propaganda Information designed to influence opinion Used by both Allied and Central Powers The information was horrible from both sides but the Allied propaganda was more effective in influencing Americans

Early Involvement U.S. continued to trade with both sides Britain’s blockade of Germany made trade difficult –They searched U.S. ships and often seized goods –U.S. stopped trade with Germany but continued to trade with Great Britain & France –This trade caused an economic boom in the U.S. –Great Britain and France also borrowed billions of dollars from the U.S. to pay for their war efforts.

German Submarine Warfare February 1915 Stated they would sink any vessel that entered or left a British port Germany warned by the U.S. that they would be held accountable for any American lives lost in attacks. Lusitania, British passenger liner sank –1000 people died. –Ship carried war materials

Sussex An unarmed French passenger ship was torpedoed –Several Americans were injured –Germany offered to compensate the injured because they were afraid the U.S. would enter the war. –Germany promised to warn neutral ships before attacking

End of Neutrality 1916 Congress agrees to double the size of the army and build new warships Wilson nominated for a second term on the slogan “He kept us out of war.” Antiwar sentiment was still very strong –Song…I didn’t raise my boy to be a soldier

Brink of War 1917 Germany reversed the policy on submarine warfare Announced it would sink on sight all vessels armed or unarmed that sailed into Allied ports.

Zimmermann Telegram Telegram sent by German Foreign minister Arthur Zimmermann to Mexico Intercepted by the British Government Telegram offered Mexico land in Texas, New Mexico and Arizona if they fought along with Germany Telegram publicized and angered Americans

Russian Revolution Russian Government overthrown and replaced by a democratic government Old government was Autocracy Autocracy –Rule by one person with unlimited power

Germany attacks American Ships Attacked and sank four American ships –Algonquin –City of Memphis –Illinois –Vigilancia –36 lives lost. The attacks occurred within a few days of each othre and all at sea.

America Enters the War April 2, 1917 President Wilson asks for declaration of war against Germany –Congress eventually agreed –Selective Service Act Established a military draft. Men aged had to register (18-45) Three million called to serve 2 million joined voluntarily Thousands of women volunteered