1. Unit 5: Imperialism & WWI
1.7.16

2. America in WWI

3. WWI Causes 4 MAIN underlying causes of WWI in Europe Militarism
Alliances
Imperialism
Nationalism

4. The Sides
Central Powers Germany Austria- Hungary Ottoman Empire Bulgaria
Allied Powers
France
Russia
Great Britain
Italy

5. President Wilson Initially really didn’t want the U.S. to go to war
Campaigned on keeping U.S. out of war
War progressed, American opinions changed

6. Toward Intervention
As the war continued, America began to lean toward Britain and France

7. The Economy During the war, trade with the allies tripled
Allies had to ask the U.S. for credit
Wilson agreed – loaned France and Britain $

8. America’s decision to enter the war: Reason 1
Sinking of the Lusitania
British passenger liner
Sunk by German sub
1,200 died, including 128 Americans

9. Reasons for sinking the Lusitania
The German Embassy had warned passengers:
[Summarize this:]Travelers intended to embark for an Atlantic voyage are reminded that a state of war exists between Germany and her allies and Great Britain and her allies.... Vessels flying the flag of Great Britain or any of her allies are liable to destruction.
Recent research: the ship was carrying arms to Britain

10. America’s decision to enter the war: Reason 2
Unrestricted German submarine attacks
Attacks without warning
Germany first promised to give warning, then changed its mind

11. America’s decision to enter the war: Reason 3
Zimmerman note
German plot to provoke Mexico to war against US
Significance – changed public opinion in U.S.

12. Finally, war
German submarine attacks on three more U.S. ships were the final straw
Wilson asked Congress to declare war on April 6, 1917

13. Expectations Germany thought war would be over in 5 months
This would mean the U.S. wouldn’t have time to mobilize
Wilson was particularly interested in crafting the peace agreement at the end of the war

14. Pre-War America
When America entered the war in 1917, we had just over 100,000 troops
Smaller than 16 other countries
Congress had to institute the draft
Within a year, America had an army of 5 million

15. As America enters, Russia exits
Russian Revolution
Bolsheviks, led by Lenin, took over
Signed a peace treaty with Germany
Significance: Let Germany fight a one- front war