The United States Enters World War I

If the U.S. enters the war, which side will they

choose?U.S. would like to stay Neutral• Neutrality - The policy of a nation that does not participate in a war

between other nations.

But if forced to choose…• Both sides broke International Laws• German subs sank non-military ships• GB prevented free trade - blockade• German citizens were starving• GB had been a friend for 100 years

France Russia Ottoman Empire Austria-Hungary

Great Britain Germany

President Wilson

America Favors the Allies(3 reasons)

1 Germany attacking Belgium upset many Americans (attack a Neutral?)

2 Unrestricted Submarine Warfare• Sink anyone trading with the Allies• USW = Germany’s version of a blockade• US warned Ger. = “You’ll be responsible

for any loss of American life”3 Stronger connection to British culture• (US chose to ignore British violations)

Germany Faced the Reality

• Either the US will……..1 Remain neutral or…2 Join the Allies• US will never join Germany• US continued trading w/ GB

(weapons)

Strike One vs. Germany (May 7, 1915)

• GB passenger ship Lusitania sunk by U-boat

• Believed to be carrying war supplies• 1,200 died, including 128 Americans

• After sinking the Lusitania, Germany agrees to stop using USW – Sussex Pledge

Strike Two vs. Germany (Feb. 1, 1917)

• GB blockade choking out Germany• Germany announced a return to USW (broke the

Sussex Pledge)• Germany claimed it was their only chance to win

war• Germany knows this will probably bring the US into

the war, but they predict the US will need time to mobilize• Germany hoped to win before US gets there

Strike Three vs. Germany (Feb. 24, 1917)

• GB Intelligence intercepted a message between Germany and Mexico

• The Zimmerman Telegram

• Germany offered TX, AZ, and NM to Mexico if they attacked the US

• Mexico said no, but the “damage was done”

•Why?

Wilson Argued for War

• Reasons to join the Allies

1 USW is evil, unfair2 Loss of American lives

to German attacks3 The US needs to

protect innocent countries (like Belgium)

4 Germany threatens “Democracy” (Germany and A.H. = Empires with single ruler)

The US Enters the War

• (April 6, 1917) - US declared war on Germany• However… US was very unprepared

• Mobilization Process: Army was very small – needed a draft

• Selective Service Act – Men from 21 – 30 register (3 million draftees served in war).

Draftees were untrained and were given old equipment Liberty Bonds – Sold to U.S. Citizens, who would buy them to loan

money to the Allies (to be paid back later). $20 billion sold in Bonds.

Americans produce more food and supplies, and use less themselves, to fuel the Allied troops.

Wartime Persecution

• While the war with Germany was overseas, some Americans refused to recognize the difference between the Central Powers and German-Americans living in the United States

• Anti-German hate propaganda, discrimination, and violence against German-Americans was common on the home front

Wartime Dissent (opposition)• Despite potential mistreatment, not all Americans were on board with

Wilson/Congress’ decision to enter the war• The U.S. Government responded with the Espionage (1917) and Sedition Acts

(1918).• Espionage - The practice of using spies to obtain information about the

plans and activities of other countries/governments.

The Espionage and Sedition acts imposed strict punishments (sometimes even prison sentences) on anyone who was convicted of “disloyal” activities or language (limited freedom of speech).

• Rosa Pastor Stokes – 10 years in prison – told an audience “I am for the people, and the government is for the profiteers”

• Kate Richards O’Hare – over 1 year in jail – declared, “The women of the United States are nothing more than brood sows, to raise children to get into the army and be made into fertilizer”

• Eugene Debs – 3 years in prison – gave a speech discussing the economic causes of the war