effects of allied blockade 1914, $70 million in trade with central powers

Effects of Allied blockade

• 1914, $70 million in trade with Central powers

• 1916, trade reduced to $1.3 million

Allied trade • Grew from $825 million to

$3.2 billion in same time period

• WWI transformed the US from a debtor to a creditor

nation

• German invasion in August of 1914, through Belgium to

conquer France.• Gave French and British militaries enough time to

mobilize their army • Belgium puts up a strong

fight. • 1st Battle of the Marne River, France and Great Britain stop

Germany from capturing Paris.

• France, England and Germany involve itself in

trench warfare from 1914 to 1918

ZIMMERMANN NOTEBerlin, January 19, 1917

On the first of February we intend to begin unrestricted submarine warfare. In spite of this, it is our intention to endeavor to keep

neutral the United States of America.

If this attempt is not successful, we propose an alliance on the following basis

with Mexico: That we shall make war together and together make peace. We

shall give general financial support, and it is understood that Mexico is to reconquer

the lost territory in New Mexico, Texas, and Arizona. The details are left to you for

settlement....

Read Wilson’s War Message to Congress….

Outline the argument he develops for why the US should go to war.