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American reaction to war. Initial american reaction. Initial reaction was that war was Europe’s problem Isolationism – policy of not being involved in other nation’s affairs We remained neutral – however we sided with Allies because: We did not like German war tactics
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Initial americanreaction • Initial reaction was that war was Europe’s problem • Isolationism – policy of not being involved in other nation’s affairs • We remained neutral – however we sided with Allies because: • We did not like German war tactics • Germany’s aggression in invasion of Belgium • Of our ties with Great Britain in political, economic, and culture • Germany wanted us to remain out of war – signed Sussex Pledge which said they would not sink merchant vessels without warning
What changed attitude of U.S.? • The use of German U-Boats (submarine warfare) • Germany swore to sink any boats in English waters • Germany sunk passenger and merchant ships • The sinking of Lusitania was a major problem for U.S. • Lusitania – British luxury ship with over 1900 passengers • Zimmermann Note – this was secret message sent Mexico by Germany to make a secret alliance against Americans • Final Straw – Germany sinks three American Merchant ships • April 6, 1917 – America declares war on Germany
America raises an army • Selective Service Act – passed on May 18, 1917 • Called for: • All men between ages of 21 and 30 to register for draft • Did allow for religious groups to file as conscientious objectors giving them right not to have to enter war • Once you were selected you had to serve or go to jail • New American Army • Nothing was ready for soldiers when they went to train • American military was ill-prepared • Army was segregated – African Americans and Hispanics were discriminated against • Many black soldiers were not allowed to combat train • Latino soldiers had to speak English before they could fight
Questions • What is isolationism? What did this view mean for the United States in relation to entering the war? • Why did we side with Allies? • What was the Sussex Pledge? • What three things changed the American view? • When did America enter World War I? • What was the Selective Service Act and what did it do? • What characterized the American Army when they declared war?
