1. American exports in millions of $ 1912-1917
Lesson 4 – Focal point: We will learn how the Zimmerman note and the sinking of the Lusitania led to American entry into World War I
American exports in millions of $
The United States claimed to be neutral at the start of World War I. How does this chart make you think otherwise?

2. German U-BOAT
In 1915 Americans continued to trade heavily with the British, lending them both money and supplies for war.
There was war at sea. British submarines called U-BOATS targeted merchant ships, both American and British.
The German submarine was able to submerge under water to hide from the enemy before appearing for an attack.

3. · In 1915, a German submarine torpedoed the Lusitania, a British passenger ship, killing approximately 1,200 people, including 128 Americans.
War supplies were on board the Lusitania.

4. Moving Toward War Zimmermann telegram: January 1917
– secret message from Germany to Mexico urging Mexico to attack the U.S. if the U.S. declared war on Germany
– Germany promised to help Mexico regain land it lost to the U.S. in the Mexican War.

5. END OF NEUTRALITY
January 1917: Germany pledged sink all allied merchant ships and by the end of March 1917 Germany had sunk several more passenger ships with Americans aboard.
TASK: Pretend to be President Wilson. It’s April 2, 1917 and you are reviewing the facts from this presentation. Write a speech describing the reasons we should declare war on Germany.

6. BEING PRESIDENT WILSON
It’s April 2, 1917 and you are reviewing the facts from this presentation.