From Neutrality to War

1. From Neutrality to War Mrs. Hunt US History

2. Learning TArget • I will identify reasons for American entry into World War I

3. I. US Neutrality • Wilson adopts Neutrality • Soon after the war began, Wilson declared a polcity of neutrality. • The US would remain impartial in thought as well as action.

4. I. US Neutrality • American Citizens • In 1914, 32 million Americans were either foreign born or children of foreign born parents. • Many found it hard to remain neutral • While Americans tried to remain neutral, war raged on throughout Europe.

5. II. Challenges to Neutrality • British Blockade • British set up a blockade of any ships traveling to Germany, even the US ships • However most Americans supported the Allies, therefore most Americans werent angry.

6. II. Challenges to Neutrality • Unrestricted Submarine Warfare • To challenge the blockade, Germanys used submarine attacks A. Uboats – Submarines used to sink ships. • By 1915, Germany declared the waters around Britain a warzone. By doing this, they could sink ships without warning.

7. II. Challenges to Neutrality • Unrestricted Submarine Warfare • In May of 1915, a German Uboat sank the British liner Lusitania without warning. A. 128 Americans were killed • Sussex Pledge – Germany promised to spare all lives in any future uboat attacks.

8. II. Challenges to Neutrality • Zimmerman Note • February 1917 • Britain obtained a note sent in code by the German foreign minister, Arthur Zimmerman, to the German minister in Mexico • Zimmerman suggested the two (Germany and Mexico) become allies. • Mexico would enter on the side of the Germans • Germany would help Mexico obtain their lost land.

9. III. US Enters the War • War • Despite the fact that Wilson wanted to remain neutral, he could not ignore the German threats. • April 1917 Congress declared war on Germany. • The US was going to war.