U.S. Involvement in WWI

Essential Question: How did the U.S. transition from neutrality to war?

• US was neutral for 3 years during war.

• Poll of 1915: 88% of Americans against fighting.

• Poll of 1917: Majority of Americans favored war. Why?

-European Alliances, 1914-European Alliances, 1914

Leaned toward the Allies from outset (G.B., France)German War TacticsConnection w/ G.B.British blockade of

German portsGerman use of

unrestricted submarine warfareViolated neutrality laws

• May 1st 1915, the Lusitania, a British liner, set sail from NY to Liverpool w/ 1,959 on board

• Attacked by German U-boat on May 7th off coast of Ireland w/ two torpedoes

• Ship sank in 15 minutes• Attack left 1,198 dead,

including 139 Americans• P. Wilson’s protest led to

temporary stop of German unrestricted submarine warfare.

-German warning to American -German warning to American passengers posted in American passengers posted in American newspapers prior to Lusitania newspapers prior to Lusitania

voyage.voyage.

• February 1917, British intercepted telegram from Germany’s foreign secretary Arthur Zimmerman to German ambassador of Mexico.

• Message stated that Germany would help Mexico reconquer territories of Arizona, Texas, and N.M. if Mexico would ally w/ Germany.

• U.S. declared war on April 2nd, 1917 -Decoded text of Zimmerman -Decoded text of Zimmerman

Telegram.Telegram.

Selective Service ActU.S. military utterly unpreparedExistence of segregation and

discrimination

Convoy system used to transport troops and supplies

Despite grim circumstances, General Pershing insisted his troops get more time to train

Also insisted they fight in American units

Americans in the Trenches

Americans in the Trenches

Essential Question: How did the U.S. transition from neutrality to war? •Why did the U.S. have closer ties to the Allies? •What caused the U.S. to enter the war on the side of the Allies? •How did the U.S. prepare for war?