1. American Neutrality in World War I 1914-1917

2. Neutrality  “All Americans ought to be neutral in fact, as well as in name … impartial in thought as well as in action” – Woodrow Wilson

3. Easier Said than Done!  Most Americans backed Allies – common language, ancestry, culture. French were allies during American Revolution.  British propaganda painted Germans as “brutal war mongers”.  Many immigrants were from Germany, Austria-Hungary.  U.S Merchants and Banks do major business will Allies.

4. Challenges to Neutrality  German U-Boat attacks.  Germany treats sea around G.B. as “war zone”.  Wilson: Germany accountable for any Americans killed. German U-Boat sinks British ocean liner Lusitania – May 7, 1915. 128 Americans Die.

5. Challenges to Neutrality  Germans sink French passenger liner Sussex. Americans outraged.  Sussex Pledge – Germany promises not to sink merchant vessels without warning and saving human lives.  Wilson reelected “kept us out of war”.  National Defense Act – Creates National Guard, increases army, navy, military spending (must be prepared just in case)

6. Zimmermann Note  Berlin, January 19, 1917  On the first of February we intend to begin submarine warfare unrestricted. In spite of this, it is our intention to endeavor to keep neutral the United States of America.  If this attempt is not successful, we propose an alliance on the following basis with Mexico: That we shall make war together and together make peace. We shall give general financial support, and it is understood that Mexico is to re-conquer the lost territory in New Mexico, Texas, and Arizona. The details are left to you for settlement....  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 of Mexico, on his own initiative, should communicate with Japan suggesting adherence at once to this plan; at the same time, offer to mediate between Germany and Japan.  Please call to the attention of the President of Mexico that the employment of ruthless submarine warfare now promises to compel England to make peace in a few months.  Zimmerman (Secretary of State)

7. U.S. Declares War  Americans outraged.  Wilson asks Congress to declare war.  “We shall fight for the things which we have always carried nearest our hearts, for democracy … and to bring peace and safety to all nations and make the world itself at last free”.  Congress declares war – April 6, 1917.

8. Trench Warfare  Germany and France dug trenches on Western Front. Millions died in “no-man’s-land” between trenches.

9. New Weapons  Poison Gas  Chlorine or mustard gas melted soldiers lungs.

10. New Weapons  Machine Guns  Fired 600 rounds per minute.

11. New Weapons  Tanks  Very hard to maneuver in muddy conditions.

12. New Weapons  Airplanes  Gather information, shoot enemy planes  Dogfights