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Wilson Urges Neutrality. Chapter 6: Section 1… still. Divided Loyalties. No involvement unless our interests were threatened Americans tied to homelands German and Irish Americans that the Central Powers were justified Tired of British domination Most sided with Britain and France.
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Wilson Urges Neutrality Chapter 6: Section 1… still
Divided Loyalties • No involvement unless our interests were threatened • Americans tied to homelands • German and Irish Americans that the Central Powers were justified • Tired of British domination • Most sided with Britain and France
American Opinion • Opinion swayed by attacks on Belgium • Killed civilians • Isolationists – war was not our business • Interventionists – affected American interests and should intervene • Internationalists – play an active role in world affairs • Middle ground
German Blockade • British decided to blockade Germany • Weapons and articles used to fight war could be confiscated by a belligerent nations • Food and medical could not • Britain expanded contraband until it included everything
U Boats • February 1915 – started sinking allied ships • May 7, 1915 – sinks Lusitania off the coast of Ireland • Should have been warned and passengers removed • Germany promises not to sink any more passenger ships • Sunk the Sussex
Preparing for War • National Defense Act – expanded size of army • Naval Construction Act – building more warships
America Enters War • January 1917 – severe shortages due to blockade • Zimmerman Note – proposed alliance with Mexico • German victory would get Texas, New Mexico and Arizona • Intercepted by British • Announced unrestricted sub warfare on Britain • April 2, 1917 Wilson asked Congress for a declaration of war on Germany