1. SWBAT – Identify the events that led to US intervention in WW1.
Learning Targets:
SWBAT – Identify the events that led to US intervention in WW1.
SWBAT – Justify a position on the US entry into WW1.
SWBAT – Explain how these events effected the many types of Americans living in the US.
US Entry into WW1
Unrestricted submarine warfare
Sinking of the Lusitania
Germany and the Sussex Pledge
The Zimmerman Note

2. 1915 – Lusitania is sunk
Americans have divided loyalties. 1/3 of Americans at this time are immigrants.
America continued selling goods to all sides of the conflict while remaining isolationist.
Britain blockaded Germany to eventually keep all goods from getting in. Violated international laws.
Germany responded with its U-Boats by sinking any ship they felt was a threat or carrying contraband.
In 1915, Germany sunk the Lusitania which was carrying ammunition and civilian passengers. 128 Americans were killed in the attack.
Wilson, would no longer sell goods to Germany.

3. 1916 – Sussex is sunk
After Wilson threatens U.S. intervention, Germany promises not to sink passenger ships without warning.
Then they sink the Sussex in 1916, a French passenger ship. Germany again promises not to sink passenger ships. This promise was called the Sussex Pledge.
After these events, Wilson began “preparing” for war. He also won reelection in 1916 on the slogan “He kept us out of war.”
***Congress passed the National Defense Act and Naval Construction Act to build up U.S. military might.

4. 1917 – Zimmerman Telegram
German Foreign Minister Arthur Zimmerman – sent a note to Mexico. This is called the Zimmerman Note. This note promised Mexico would get back Texas, Arizona, and New Mexico, if it attacked the U.S. when America entered WW1.
Britain intercepted this note before it got to Mexico. It was shown to the U.S. and printed in newspapers.
This angered Wilson tremendously.
After this, Germany again declared unrestricted submarine warfare on any ship coming to Germany.
America could no longer stay neutral.