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America in World War I

Learn about the challenges and impact of the U.S. in World War I, from neutrality struggles to wartime changes, President Wilson's role, alliances, and the aftermath of totalitarism.

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America in World War I

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  1. America in World War I James Montgomery Flagg’s famous “I Want You for U.S. Army” poster inspired millions of American men to enlist for military service as the United States entered World War I in 1917.

  2. President Wilson in France on his way to negotiate the Versailles Treaty

  3. Essential Questions • Why was it difficult for the U.S. to follow a policy of neutrality during the early years of World War I? • What developments led the U.S. to enter the war? • How did the U.S. make the transition from a peacetime to a wartime society? • Why did the government find it necessary to restrict civil liberties during wartime? • Why did the Senate ultimately fail to ratify the Versailles Treaty? • What implications did the end of World War I have in regard to the rise of totalitarian governments during the 1930s and 1940s?

  4. Woodrow Wilson • Born in Virginia in 1856 • President of Princeton University • New Jersey governor • Elected president in 1912 • Progressive administration, “The New Freedom” • Reelected in 1916

  5. War Comes to Europe:Fundamental Causes • Nationalism • Militarism • Imperialism • Entangling Alliances • Diplomacy • Assassination of Archduke Ferdinand Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife are greeted in Sarajevo shortly before both were shot

  6. World War I Alliances • Britain • France • Russia • Germany • Austria-Hungary • Ottoman Empire (Turkey) Triple Entente (Allies) Triple Alliance (Central Powers)

  7. Discussion Questions • Why did the major powers in Europe enter into such complicated alliances? What were the consequences of doing so? • Which of the fundamental causes of World War I do you think was the most important in causing the war?

  8. U.S. Neutrality • U.S. economic interests tied to the Allies • Similarities in American and British culture • U.S. immigrants from eastern Europe • Irish Americans supported Germany • Wilson’s philosophy favored assisting the Allies’ cause

  9. International Law and World War • International Law: governs relations between nation-states • Developing technology and war strategies made violations more common • Belligerents’ violations of international law directly affected American citizens and the U.S. government

  10. German U-Boats • Used to counterbalance strength of British navy • British ships attempted to reduce threat by flying U.S. flags • Germans responded with “unrestricted submarine warfare” • U.S. saw this as a violation of American neutrality German U-Boats, such as the SM U 15 pictured above, terrorized transport ships and passenger liners during World War I

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