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

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

3. 2) Zimmermann Note
British spies intercept a telegram from Germany to Mexico
The note tells Mexico that if they invade the US, allowing Mexico to get back lost territory
Why? Germany needs to keep unrestricted sub warfare while keeping US out of European war

4. We must defend Democracy
3) US Declares War!
Zimmermann note is the “final straw” for the US
President Wilson asks Congress to declare war!
April 6th, 1917 – Congress declares war
Easy choice: US loaning money to Allies plus close ties to Britain & France
We must defend Democracy
US must use propaganda to convince American public the war is necessary
Discuss: What makes the song Over There propaganda?

5. Analyzing US Propaganda
Questions:
Carefully look at objects and what they symbolize (ex: What country does gorilla symbolize?)
How are the symbols portrayed? Clearly, memorable, dramatic?
What is the audience? (who produced it, what are they saying)
What is the point of the cartoonist?