1. What causes the United States to enter World War I?
America’s Road to War
What causes the United States to enter World War I?

2. I. Unrestricted Submarine Warfare
A. 1915: German U-boat sinks the passenger ship Lusitania
1. Germans claim there were weapons being carried on the ship
a. True! But the Germs killed 1,260 civilians, incl. 128 Americans
B. US President Woodrow Wilson warns Germans – Germ. backs off
C. 1917: Germany losing war, brings back unrestricted sub warfare (allied & neutral ships)
1. Germany sinks three US ships near Britain
a. Wilson warns Germans again

3. II. Zimmermann Note
A. British spies intercept a telegram from Germany to Mexico
1. The note tells Mexico that if they invade the US, Germ will help
2. Could allow Mexico to get back lost territory
B. Germany trying to keep US out of European war

4. We must defend Democracy
III. US Declares War!
A. Zimmermann note is the “final straw” for the US
President Wilson asks Congress to declare war!
B. April 6th, 1917 – Congress declares war
1. Easy choice: US loaning money to Allies plus close tie to Britain & France
We must defend Democracy
C. US must use propaganda to convince American public the war is necessary
* List three things in the song Over There that makes it propaganda