1. World War I Begins Why does America enter WW I & how does this change the war?

2. Reasons for the War in Europe
Discuss: Give three reasons these nations go to war?
Discuss: How was the war fought and why were there so many casualties on both the Western & Eastern fronts?

3. Unrestricted Submarine Warfare
Most Americans & Pres Wilson want US to stay neutral
British navy blockades Germany, Germans respond w/ u-boats
1915: German U-boat sinks the passenger ship Lusitania, Germans back off after Wilson warning
Unrestricted Submarine Warfare
1916: Wilson runs for re-election “man who kept us out of war”

4. US Declares War!
1917: Germany brings back unrestricted sub warfare, sinks 3 American ships off British coast
Germany asks Mexico to form alliance and attack US
President Wilson asks Congress to declare war!
April 6th, 1917 – Congress declares war
Easy choice for US:
1) Closer political ties to Britain & France
2) Economic ties to Britain & France (loans) – can’t lose investment
3) Protect democracy by beating Germans

5. America Mobilizes
1917: Congress passes Selective Service Act (requires18-30 yr old men to register w/ govt to be randomly selected in a draft)
24 Million register, 3 million drafted, 2 million sent to Europe

6. Fighting “Over There”
US to use convoys & mines to stop German U-boats
American Expeditionary Force led by Gen. John Pershing, will fight on their own, usually avoid trenches
Result: US troops winning major battles, which gives allies physical, moral & financial support