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US: From Neutrality to War

US: From Neutrality to War. A. US Public Opinion. Anti-War? A t first many Americans thought of the war as a European War Popular song at the time – “I didn’t raise my boy to be a Soldier”. Allied or Central Powers

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US: From Neutrality to War

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  1. US: From Neutrality to War

  2. A. US Public Opinion • Anti-War? • At first many Americans thought of the war as a European War • Popular song at the time – “I didn’t raise my boy to be a Soldier”

  3. Allied or Central Powers • Most Americans supported the British and the French b/c of long standing ties • But Millions of Americans had immigrated from the Central Powers and supported them.

  4. B. Propaganda 1. British Propaganda • Used to influence U.S. Opinion • Depicted the Germans as cruel and inhumane • German Propaganda • Depicted President Wilson as a liar when it came to Neutrality

  5. C. Germans Violate US Neutrality • Sinking the Lusitania • German U-boats (Submarines) attacked many ships without warning instead of stopping and searching them • May 1915 a U-Boat sank a British Passenger Ship, Lusitania

  6. Killed 1,200 people, included 128 Americans • Infuriates Americans

  7. Sussex Pledge • After sinking a French Ship, the Sussex, German govt issues the Sussex Pledge • Promise not to sink merchant vessels w/o warning or saving lives • Does not follow the pledge for very long

  8. Zimmerman Note • German Foreign Minister Arthur Zimmerman • Telegram asked Mexico to ally with Germany against the US • They could retake New Mexico, Texas and Arizona

  9. Wilson’s Response to German aggression • April 1917 Wilson Asks Congress to declare war on Germany • “The world must be made safe for Democracy” • April 6, 1917 U.S. Declares War on Germany

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