2. 8 million German Americans supported their homeland 4.5 million Irish Americans also supported the central powers Did not like British Rule Most Americans sides with the Allies because of shared beliefs with Britain and the Allegiance with France in the Revolutionary War Stayed neutral for more than 2 years

3. Preparing for the war was the best way to stay out of the conflict It is always better to be prepared than not when it comes to potentially entering a war. International League for Peace and Freedom Started by Carrie Chapman Catt and Jane Addams Urged the President to not build the military

4. President Wilson’s cabinet was pro-Britain Allie victory would allow the balance of powers to stay in the world Propaganda Information used to influence one’s opinion German propaganda was anti-Russian Cut the transatlantic telegraph cable so the only information sent to America was from Britain

5. East Coast businesses had strong ties with Allie Nations Americans invested in the Allie’s victory Some Americans in the Midwest lent money to Germany The countries prosperity was tied to an Allie win, and if Britain, France, and Russia won then America would get it’s money back, if not the money would be lost forever.

6. German Submarines Britain intercepted ships coming to Europe Checks for contraband Germany would sink any ship outside of Britain using U-boats without warning May 7, 1915 German’s sunk the ship carrying 1200 passengers 138 Americans Germans sink the Lusitania

7. Americans wanted to go to war due to the loss of life Germany pledged to not sink anymore ships without warning Allowed Wilson to be reelected in 1916 by keeping the peace

8. Zimmerman telegram Germany promised Mexico that they would regain land in Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona if they helped win a war against America February 1, 1917 Germans started to sink boats again with submarines April 6, 1917 82 to 6 in the Senate 373 to 50 in the House of Representatives AMERICA GOES TO WAR