America Enters the War

AIM: How did Americans react to the breakout of War in Europe and why did the U.S. finally enter in 1917?Q. What were the results of both the stalemate and

trench warfare in Europe?A. No side could win a decisive victory resulting in

millions of lives lost.

How did Americans React?I. American citizens were

divided. Many favored the Allies, due to ties of language, history and culture. But, many immigrants of German, Austrian, and Irish descent favored the Central Powers.

II. The U.S. economy boomed. Manufacturers and farmers were filling orders for food and war goods. Most of the trade was with the Allies.

III. Both the Allies and Central Powers waged a war of propaganda (ideas to help a cause) in America.

Why did the U.S. Finally enter the War in 1917?I. Submarine warfare angered the U.S.!

German U-Boats torpedoed American ships trading with the Allies.

II. The Lusitania was a British passenger ship that was sunk by the Germans. 1200 people were killed, including 128 Americans.

III. Zimmerman TelegramA. Britain intercepted the telegram. Germany tried to convince Mexico to declare war on the U.S. Mexico would receive part of the U.S. if they won the war.

IV. Russian RevolutionA. Czar Nicholas II was removed from power in Russia. The new government promised democratic reforms which made it easier for the U.S. to come into the war on Russia’s side.

Home front

• - Daylight Savings time started to conserve energy

• - sold Liberty Bonds and Victory Bonds to pay for war

• - encouraged people to grow their own food in victory gardens

• - National War Labor Board – unions agreed not to strike in return for wage increases, 8 hour workdays, and right to collective bargaining

• WOMEN GO TO WORK IN FORMERLY MEN”S JOBS

• MANY AF-AM LEFT THE SOUTH FOR FACTORY JOBS IN THE NORTH “The Great Migration”

• Espionage Act passed to prevent people from helping the enemy

• Sedition Act made it illegal to criticize the president or the government

• Anyone suspicious came under attack.

• Court case – Schenck v the US – decision said freedom of speech could be limited in the case of “clear and present danger”