World War I Unrestricted Submarine Warfare U.S. Entry into the War

Unrestricted Submarine Warfare Britain had setup a naval blockade of Germany –Stopped Germany from getting military supplies

Unrestricted Submarine Warfare Germany declared the Seas around Britain to be a war zone Sunk any ships bringing war supplies to Britain –Germany had sunk American ships going to Britain

Allied Ships Sunk by U-Boats

The Lusitania British Passenger ship sunk by Germans on May 7, 1915

The Lusitania 128 Americans killed Germany claimed the ship was carrying war supplies and ammunition Caused a great deal of anger in America

Sussex Pledge May 1916 Germany pledged to search all ships before firing on them Germany wanted Americans to convince the British to lift the blockade on Germany Germany resumed unrestricted submarine warfare in Jan. 1917

United States involvement in the War The Zimmerman NoteThe Zimmerman Note –Feb –German ambassador sends telegram to Mexico –Asks Mexico to attack the United States in return Germany will help Mexico retake lands in the American Southwest –British intercept letter and turn it over to Americans

Declaration of War Wilson asks Congress to declare war on GermanyWilson asks Congress to declare war on Germany –April 2, 1917 –Congress votes to declare war

America Prepares for War Selective Service Act –Drafted soldiers into military service

America Prepares for War War Industry Board –Converted factories to produce war related goods

America Prepares for War Government sells war bonds Anti-German propaganda