1. America Questions Neutrality

2. Divided Loyalties Naturalized US citizens Economic Ties
Had ties to nations
Germans: sympathized with Germany
Irish: saw war as chance for Ireland to gain independence
Close to Britain
Ancestry & language
Economic Ties
Stronger with Allies
U.S. exports by year

3. The War Hits Home US Mobilizes for war British Blockade
Ensure allied repayment of debts
Prevent Germans from threatening US shipping
British Blockade
German coast
Neutral ports
US ships refused to challenge blockade
Led to famine in Germany by 1917
US angered until Germany responded

4. German U-Boat Response
Unterseeboot (Submarine)
Used to counter blockade
Any British or allied ship would be sunk
Lusitania
May 7, 1915
British passenger liner sunk by German U-boat
128 Americans killed
Changed American public opinion, but still doesn’t propel the country into the war

5. Woodrow Wilson’s Response
Ruled out military response
August 1915: U-boat sinks The Arabic
2 Americans dead
Sussex Pledge
Germany would stop unrestricted submarine warfare
US would persuade GB to lift food blockade

6. 1916 Election Woodrow Wilson (D) Charles Evan Hughes (R)
Campaign slogan - “He kept us out of the war”
Charles Evan Hughes (R)
Pledged to uphold America’s right to freedom of seas
Promised not to be too severe on Germany
Wilson Wins re-election
Close vote

7. United States Declares War
Wilson calls for “peace without victory”
Germany ignores calls
Kaiser announces U-boats will sink all ships
Wilson waits for “actual overt acts”
It came early in 1917…

8. German Provocation Zimmerman Telegram
Telegram from German Foreign minister to German ambassador in Mexico
Proposed alliance between Mexico & Germany
Intercepted by Britain, sent to Woodrow Wilson
Leaked to U.S. press on March 1, 1917
Infuriated Americans
Territory promised to Mexico

9. Zimmerman Note
On the first of February, we intend to begin unrestricted submarine warfare.
In spite of this, it is our intention to endeavour to keep the United States of America neutral.
In the event of this not succeeding, we propose an alliance on the following basis with Mexico: That we shall make war together and make peace together. We shall give generous financial support, and an understanding on our part that Mexico is to reconquer the lost territory in New Mexico, Texas, and Arizona. The details of settlement are left to you.

10. Zimmerman Note
You are instructed to inform the President [of Mexico] of the above in the greatest confidence as soon as it is certain that there will be an outbreak of war with the United States and suggest that the President, on his own initiative, invite Japan to immediate adherence with this plan; at the same time, offer to mediate between Japan and ourselves.
Please call to the attention of the President that the ruthless employment of our submarines now offers the prospect of compelling England to make peace in a few months

11. Breaking of the Sussex Pledge
Germany becomes convinced they can win the war with the resumption of unrestricted submarine warfare
January 1917 – Germany begins unrestricted sub warfare
4 unarmed American merchant ships sunk

12. America Acts April 2, 1917 Russian monarchy overthrown
Wilson delivers war message to Congress
Russian monarchy overthrown
Wilson can now say this is a, “War of democracies against brutal monarchies.”
Congress approves resolution