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World War. American Entrance. Teams were made “Allies” vs. “Central Powers” U.S. is “neutral” in thought as well as in action Fit into Wilson’s worldview U.S. could demonstrate a higher moral position Economics of war Boom during wartime The Allies trading activities increased. Cont….
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American Entrance • Teams were made “Allies” vs. “Central Powers” • U.S. is “neutral” in thought as well as in action • Fit into Wilson’s worldview • U.S. could demonstrate a higher moral position • Economics of war • Boom during wartime • The Allies trading activities increased
Cont…. • Neutrality difficult • The ties that bind • Economics • Common language, ancestry, and culture • Wilson’s vision conflicted with neutrality • Fears of world ruled by German imperialism To shape the peace U.S. would have to fight!
What exactly was it? • Germany and England pushing and pulling U.S. into war • 1915: Berlin proclaimed waters around Great Britain a war zone • Wilson responds with “strict accountability” • Lusitania sunk: 128 Americans lost • Exposes division in public opinion • TR calls Wilson’s patience “cowardice” • National Security League established: lobby of bankers and industrialists working to build up patriotism and promoting military training
Cont….. • Patience and diplomacy initial success • March 1916 Sussex sinks: several Americans injured • In the meantime loans toward the Allies substantially outweigh that going to the Central Powers • 1916 Wilson wins re-election with the slogan “he kept us out of war” • On the battlefield a stalemate, back to the ocean depths
Cont…. • Zimmerman telegram • Coded message to Germany’s ambassador in Mexico • Declare war and we will help win back lost territory • April 2, 1917 Wilson appeals for a declaration of war • Key factors: • German attacks on American shipping • U.S. economic investment in the Allied cause • American cultural links to the Allies, especially England
Ending the War • Europe broken • Wilson goes to Versailles for signing of treaty to end war, 1918 • The Big Four had little interest in Wilson reforms • Germans left holding the bag
War Time American Events • Groups of THREE • Create a timeline of the following terms in relation to WWI events: • Selective Service Act • Espionage Act • WIB • Sedition Act • NWLB • League of Nations • CPI • Provide dates and a definition/explanation of the term