America Drawn to WarHow will the U.S.A. finally end up

in the Great War?#20

Wilson & the American people wanted to stay Neutral when the Great War started

1916 Campaign Slogan – “He Kept Us Out of War”• A series of events began to unfold which finally

drew us into the fighting• This proved to be too much for the American

people to handle• April 2, 1917 – Pres. Wilson asked Congress to

Declare war on Germany – War Address

“Make the World Safe for Democracy”

Six Reasons America joined the War

1. U.S.A – Long standing Alliance with Great Britain

Britain or Germany?

1776

Telegraph cable – 1858**cut in 1915** why?

2. The Zimmerman Telegram2. The Zimmerman Telegram

3. The Sinking of the Lusitania3. The Sinking of the Lusitania

Mass Funeral for Lusitania victims held in Ireland on May 23, 1915How do you think people reacted when they saw

these pictures in the newspaper?

4. American Business Interests $2.25 Billion Invested in the Allied War Effort - would the $ be returned if the Allies lost?

5. President Wilson & His Desire for Future World Peace

(USA must play a Role in the War to have a say in what the future should be)

6. Germany Declares Unrestricted Submarine Warfare – Jan. 31, 1917• Felt like they had no other choice• Their people were starving• They were desperate to end the war• U.S.A – wasn’t truly neutral anyway• Germany began sinking many U.S ships

• April 6, 1917 – Congress Declares War

Assignment- Textbook p. 552-551) Explain the 6 situations(#1-6 Par. Each) that led us to war

- give specific examples/be able to discuss in class2) Final paragraph(#7): In your own words discuss the most important of the six events

Due – ______________(NOT THIS YEAR)1) Americans Take Sides2) Lusitania – May 7, 19153) American Business Companies4) Wilson/World Peace5) The Zimmerman Note – Jan. 19176) Unrestricted Submarine Warfare