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Over There!

Over There!. The United States in the Great War. Focus Question. In a short response of one to two sentences, describe a good reason for a country to go to war. Stalemate!. The Great War bogged into stalemate Russian numbers too great in the East Trench warfare in the West

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Over There!

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  1. Over There! The United States in the Great War

  2. Focus Question • In a short response of one to two sentences, describe a good reason for a country to go to war.

  3. Stalemate! • The Great War bogged into stalemate • Russian numbers too great in the East • Trench warfare in the West • Casualties mounted

  4. Neutrality • Initial intent was to remain neutral • Long-standing American policy of isolation • American interests not at risk • U.S. unprepared for war. • Wilson as a peacemaker • Population divided on which side to support

  5. Additional Concerns • Modern war fought with 18th century tactics • Stalemate led to new weapons • Poison Gas • Flame Throwers • Tanks • Airplanes • Casualties mounted

  6. Still the U.S. was drawn to the war

  7. However . . . • U.S. drawn toward the Allies • German U-Boat campaign • German violation of neutral rights (Belgium)

  8. U.S. Opinion inflamed by atrocities • Deep disgust over the treatment of neutral nations • Civilians killed when passenger liners sunk by U-Boats • Lusitania • Sussex • Wilson threatened to cut ties with Germany • Sussex Pledge (May 1916) • Germany agreed to stop targeting certain ships

  9. Preparations • Influential Americans proposed entering the war in 1915 • National Defense Act passed in June, 1916 • Saw a rapid growth of the military • Increased Army to 175,000 troops • 50 new warships for the Navy

  10. 1916 Presidential Campaign • Seen as a referendum on U.S. policy in Europe • Anti-War Sentiments strong • “He Kept Us Out of the War”

  11. U.S. Declares War – April 1917 • Zimmermann Telegram • Germany to start “unrestricted submarine warfare” in February 1917 • Germany attempts alliance with Mexico • Germany proposed Mexico declare war on the U.S.

  12. U.S. enters the War • War declared April 6, 1917 • Attacks on U.S. shipping • Zimmermann Telegram • U.S. stressed lofty goals • Preserve “freedom of the seas” • Preserve rights of neutral nations • “Make the World Safe for Democracy”

  13. Summary • In a short response of one to two sentences, describe some topic from class today you would like to learn more about.

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