1. From Neutral to Declaration of War

2. Today’s Objective
Identify the events that led the United States to enter the war.

3. President Wilson’s stance
He wanted to keep the U.S. out of the war
Germany was aggravating the U.S, making many Americans angry.
Wilson did not want the U.S. to take sides.
Americans were split on their decision.
European countries used many techniques to try and get the Americans involved.
Two events though later changed the war……….

4. The Sinking of the Lusitania
Great Britain was blocking food and supplies that the Germans needed
Germany decided to use U-boats (submarines) to hurt the British navy. Germany said it would sink any ship coming to or going from Great Britain. They would not sink ships from neutral countries (the U.S.).
Germany even warned Americans to not sail on British ships (accidents could happen).

5. An accident occurs………..
May 7, 1915 a German submarine sank the Lusitania, an ocean liner.
1,200 people died when the ship sank
128 were Americans
This event angered many Americans
President Wilson still did not declare war

6. The Zimmermann Telegram
Feb Britain gave the U.S. a secret telegraph message they overheard
Message from German ambassador Zimmerman to Mexico. Telegram said that if Mexico helped Germany and they won, Mexico can get lands in Texas, Arizona and New Mexico.
April 1917, President Wilson asked Congress to declare war on Germany and the Central Powers.