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The World War I Era The United States Declares War

The World War I Era The United States Declares War. President Woodrow Wilson. “He kept us out of the war.” -1916 Election slogan: Forced into the war by Germany. German Submarine Warfare. German use of submarines provoked the U.S. closer to war

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The World War I Era The United States Declares War

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  1. The World War I EraThe United States Declares War

  2. President Woodrow Wilson “He kept us out of the war.” -1916 Election slogan: • Forced into the war by Germany

  3. German Submarine Warfare • German use of submarines provoked the U.S. closer to war • Passenger & merchant ships were targeted “uncivilized” • British deepened anti-German sentiments in U.S. • Cut transatlantic cable connecting Germany & the U.S. • All news from Europe had to travel through London • Pro-allied bias helped shape American public opinion

  4. Tensions Mount • May 7th, 1915, the Lusitania, British passenger liner, sunk by a U-boat • Germany claimed ship carrying weapons to England – it was! • Killed 128 Americans • President Wilson demanded an end to sub warfare • Germany promised to warn ships before they fired

  5. More U-boat actions; Germany Tests Wilson • March 4, 1916 - the Sussex, French passenger liner sunk by a U-boat • Germany issued Sussex Pledge • Wilson allows U.S. banks to send money to Allied • February 1, 1917 - Germany violates Sussex Pledge • German leaders knew action would force U.S to enter war • Believed they could defeat England before U.S. could become fully involved • U.S. responded by breaking diplomatic relations with Germany • Wilson asked Congress permission to arm merchant vessels

  6. Zimmerman Note • British intercepted a letter from Germany’s Foreign Secretary to Mexico • Letter tried to persuade Mexico to invade the U.S. if the U.S did not remain neutral • Letter was not taken seriously in the U.S. but further damaged foreign relations with Germany

  7. Revolution In Russia • By 1917 – 1.8 million Russians killed, 2.8 million wounded, 2.4 million taken prisoner • Military defeats =economic & social collapse • Czar Nicholas II forced to abdicate • Civil war erupts in Russia • Communists sign treaty & exit WWI • Easier for US to enter war without Czar

  8. The War Resolution • March 1917: German U-boats sink US ships: 1) City of Memphis 2) Illinois 3) Vigilancia • April 1917: The War Resolution declared “…the world must be made safe for democracy.” -Woodrow Wilson

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