Transcript File
WORLD WAR I THE WAR TO END WAR US NEUTRALITY 1914 • U.S. sees the war as an opportunity to help the economy. • Opportunity to expand markets • While officially neutral we favored the Allies • Many thought Germany was too militaristic Factors leading to United States entry into WWI • • • • • Freedom of the Seas Economics Propaganda The Russian Revolution Spread Democracy Quiz Freedom of the Seas • British Blockade • Prevent trade with Germany • Caused 750,000 deaths • German U-Boats • Germany used subs to blockade the British • Caused 75,000 deaths • Looked at it as cowardly • Lusitania 1915—128 Am. • Germany continued to sink all ships heading to Britain • By 1917 that included ships with American flags • Memphis, Illinois, and Vigilancia Unrestricted Submarine Warfare • The U-Boat • the Lusitania - May 1915 Losses Associated With Unrestricted Submarine warfare Allied Ships Sunk by U-Boats ECONOMICS • The U.S. had stronger economic ties to the Allies. • Even though “Neutral” U.S. still traded more with allies • Private U.S. banks loaned European nations billions to buy war materials from the U.S. • If the Allies lost, U.S. private banks may not be repaid United States Exports to Europe 1910-1915 Numbers represent dollars (in millions) U.S. Trade with Belligerents, 1914 - 1916 (Millions of Dollars) • • • • • Nation Great Britain France Italy Germany 1914 $594 million $160 million $74 million $345 million 1915 912 369 185 29 1916 1,527 629 269 .29 Percent Change + 257% +393% +364% -1,150% Value of U.S. exports for 1914: 1914 - $824.8 million to Allies 1914 - $169.3 million to Central Powers Value of U.S. exports for 1916: 1916 - $3.2 billion to Allies 1916 - $1.2 million to Central Powers Value of U.S. loans for 1917: 1917 - $2.5 billion to Allies 1917 - $27million to Central Powers Propaganda • Manipulating information to gain support for your cause. • Bring the U.S. into the war on the side of the Allies • Transatlantic Cable—Pro British information • Zimmerman Telegram • Germany’s attempt to gain support from Mexico • • • • • Zimmermann's message was: On the first of February, we intend to begin unrestricted submarine warfare. In spite of this, it is our intention to endeavor to keep the United States of America neutral. In the event of this not succeeding, we propose an alliance on the following basis with Mexico: • That we shall make war together and make peace together. We shall give generous financial support, and an understanding on our part that Mexico is to reconquer the lost territory in New Mexico, Texas, and Arizona. The details of settlement are left to you. You are instructed to inform the President [of Mexico] of the above in the greatest confidence as soon as it is certain that there will be an outbreak of war with the United States and suggest that the President, on his own initiative, invite Japan to immediate adherence with this plan; at the same time, offer to mediate between Japan and ourselves. Please call to the attention of the President that the ruthless employment of our submarines now offers the prospect of compelling England to make peace in a few months. • German's portrayed as "barbaric" Russian Revolution in 1917 • Tsar Nicholas II of Russia—Autocrat (Dictator) • WWI destroying Russia • A revolution overthrown the Tsar in 1917. • Tsar replaced by a Republic • Makes it easier for the U.S. to join the Allies • Now Fr. G.B. and Russia were democracies. • German Empire, A-H Empire , and Ottoman Empire all Autocratic rulers Spread Democracy -”Making the World Safe for Democracy” -Defeat of monarchy and autocracy in Europe The Election of 1916 1. Republican: Charles Evans Hughes 2. Democratic: Woodrow Wilson • Platform: • "Wilson and Peace with Honor; Hughes with Roosevelt and War" • "He Kept Us Out of War" U.S. Enters the War • • Break Diplomatic Relations Wilson – Germany’s “overt acts” (March 1917) • Zimmerman note • 4 U.S. ships sunk • Russian Revolution • Declaration of War • April 1917 The Yanks Are Coming! Quick Write • Did the United States wait to long to join WWI?