America Enters the War

We Didn’t Want to Get Involved “I Need Some Alone Time” U.S tried to maintain a policy of neutrality –Monroe Doctrine The naval war between Germany and Britain got the U.S involved

Blockades England is first to have a blockade of Germany’s ports –Very effective Germany responds by doing the same to GB

Germany’s Blockade German Policy –Unrestricted submarine warfare Ok to sink anything in the water –This included passenger lines

Ohhhh Noooo!! Lusitania –British cruise ship is sunk by German submarines May 7, 1915

Ohhhh Noooo!! Casualties –1,100 casualties 100 Americans included –U.S strongly voices their opinion –Germany suspends unrestricted submarine warfare Doesn’t want the U.S to be upset

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Zimmerman Telegram On 16 January 1917, the German Foreign Minister, Arthur Zimmerman sent the following telegram to Count von Bernstorff, the German ambassador in the United States.

Arthur Zimmerman

Zimmerman Telegram (Don’t Write) Most Secret For Your Excellency's personal information and to be handed on to the Imperial Minister in Mexico We intend to begin unrestricted submarine warfare on the first of February. We shall endeavor in spite of this to keep the United States neutral. In the event of this not succeeding, we make Mexico a proposal of an alliance on the following basis: Make war together, make peace together, generous financial support, and an understanding on our part that Mexico is to re-conquer the lost territory in Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. The settlement detail is left to you.

Zimmerman Telegram (Don’t Write) You will inform the President [of Mexico] of the above most secretly as soon as the outbreak of war with the United States is certain and add the suggestion that he should, on his own initiative, invite Japan to immediate adherence and at the same time mediate between Japan and ourselves. Please call the President's attention to the fact that the unrestricted employment of our submarines now offers the prospect of compelling England to make peace within a few months. Acknowledge receipt. Zimmerman

Germany Rolls the Dice Germany wanted to break the deadlock in the war. They begin using unrestricted submarine warfare again Believed that they could starve the British into submission. –Thought that it would take 5 months

German Advisors Emperor was concerned about American reaction. –Was told not to worry about it –“The British would starve before the Americans could react.”

Admiral Holtzendorf “I give your majesty my word as an officer that not one American will land on this continent.”

United States Enters the War April 6, 1917 Initially not Americans are shipped over However a huge effect occurs –Just knowing that the Americans are now involved switches the momentum. Psychological effect –Americans also serve as a major source of money, resources and war goods