world war i the united states enters the war. president woodrow wilson democrat moral isolationist

World War IWorld War I

The United States The United States Enters the WarEnters the War

President Woodrow Wilson

Democrat Moral Isolationist

American Isolation

Neutrality “in word and deed”

Great Britain and France – Democracies

American Isolation Germans, Austrians, Turks – Autocracies US Naturally more sympathetic to

Democracies Cultural ties to Britain GB cuts trans-Atlantic cable from Germany

to US – only avenue for news from GB

American Isolation Trade- favored France and GB Remaining neutral allowed us to continue

to trade with anyone. $2-3 Billion with Fr and GB $30 million with Germany

American Isolation War orders and loans

for France and GB pulled up US economy – Boom

US Bankers loaned the Allies millions with government approval

The U.S. Stake in the outcome of the war (investment, future trade) was pro-ally.

The Blockade British Blockade of Germany with the

Royal Navy, 1914 – Starve Germany (including citizens)

Submarine Warfare

Germans respond with Unrestricted Submarine Warfare

Neutrals and belligerent ships known to be carrying neutrals (Americans) fair game

US objects – neutrality – International Law

Submarine Warfare

May 1, 1915 Lusitania sets sail from New York 1,257 passengers and (hidden in storage) food stuffs and 4.2 million rounds of rifle ammo, 1,250 cases of shrapnel shells, and 18 case of fuses.

On May 7, one torpedo from U-20 sank the huge liner in less than 18 minutes killing 1,198 – 128 Americans

S.S. LusitaniaMay 7, 1915

Submarine Warfare Wilson, over the next several months

objects in a series of statements. Germans back off until Feb 1917 – when

they resume Unrestricted Submarine Warfare

The Zimmerman Note

German Telegram to Mexico proposing an alliance – Intercepted by

Britain– Mexican support in

exchange for land lost to the U.S.

Changed public opinion in US

America Goes to War

Feb 1917 – US breaks off diplomatic relations with Germany

March 1917 – Armed Neutrality – US arms merchant ships

America Goes to War U.S. Declares War on April

6,1917 AEF – American

Expeditionary Forces under General Pershing arrive in France in June 1917 and help turn the tide. – Provides much needed troops

and supplies– Morale Boost– Financial Support

Wilson’s Hopes Wilson hoped to end the war and bring

lasting peace to Europe Jan. 1918-Issued the Fourteen Points as a

way of resolving and preventing wars

Wilson’s Fourteen Points

Most

importa

nt to W

ilson