1. AIM: Could the U.S. have avoided entering the war?
Do Now: What does it mean to be a global leader? From this meaning, since the US is a global leader, do they have a responsibility to get involved in the war?
America &
World War I

2. Wilson’s Foreign Policy (1914): NEUTRALITY
Progressive President
Believed in morals
Why must we stay neutral?

3. Wilson’s Speech to Congress, August 19, 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 while others wish another nation, 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.

4. US Enters the War, 1917

5. What did it take to get the US involved?
Germany torpedoed, sinking with 1260 passengers and crew (including 128 Americans)
1. Sinking of the Lusitania

6. What did it take to get the US involved?
2. Unrestricted Submarine Warfare
1917 Germany announced “unlimited submarine warfare” they will sink any ship
We ask them for “Freedom of the Seas” they say no!

7. What did it take to get the US involved?
3. Zimmerman Telegram
US intercepted a note from Germany to Mexico

8. Zimmerman Telegram, January 19, 1917
On the first of February we intend to begin submarine warfare unrestricted. In spite of this it is our intention to keep neutral the United States of America. If this attempt is not successful we propose an alliance on the following basis with Mexico: That we shall make war together and together make peace. We shall give general financial support, and it is understood that Mexico is to reconquer the lost territory in New Mexico, Texas and Arizona. The details are left for your settlement. You are instructed to inform the President of Mexico of the above as soon as it is certain there will be an outbreak of war with the United States. Please call to the attention of the President of Mexico that the employment of ruthless submarine warfare now promises to compel England to make peace in a few months.

9. What did it take to get the US involved?
4. Bolshevik Revolution
Communist rebels (ahh!) overthrow Czar Nicholas II
Russia left the war to focus on the revolution
Allies down to 2 powers (GB & France)!

10. What did it take to get the US involved?
4. Bolshevik Revolution
Made it a one front war (Western) for Germany - all its troops could concentrate on France
Eastern Front
Western Front

11. President Wilson Declares War, 1917
US foreign policy shifts from neutrality to interventionism.
Americans are nervous about war “why get involved in their problems?”

12. President Wilson Declares War
3 Goals For War:
“War to End All Wars”
“Making the World Safe for Democracy”
14 Points: 14 promises for freedom & a League of Nations to work for peace

13. Could the US have avoided entering the war? Why or why not?