Transcript entry # 34
United States Enters WWI “Impartial in thought as well as action” –Woodrow Wilson • At the Beginning of the War, the United States considered the war Europe’s problem and did not want to deal with it (Isolationism) • There was private support for both sides in the War (although greater support for the Allies) • Wilson took the official stance of Neutrality (“Impartial in thought as well as action”) …He picked no side; • Instead, an Internationalist, Wilson tried to use US influence to end the War and bring peace. British Blockade • The British blockaded German ports, seized ships trying to run the blockade, and confiscated any contraband materials that could help the German war effort. • Despite the naval arms race before the war, the Germans did not have a large enough surface fleet to break through this blockade. Unrestricted Submarine Warfare • Instead, the Germans created their own blockade around Great Britain, using submarines (U-boats) • They (mostly) sank ships that carried Allied supplies, • Many such supplies came from the United States…The US traded far more with the Allies than with Axis powers, and provided the Allies with almost $3 billion in loans (so not quite neutral). Lusitania • A passenger ship, which German officials (probably correctly) claimed was also carrying ammunition and other war materials. • Sunk by the German U-boat torpedoes on May 7,1915. • Killed 1198, including 128 Americans. • We warned Germany to stop sinking unarmed passenger ships… • Germany temporarily pledged to stop sinking passenger ships • Called the Sussex Pledge • However, as 1917 rolled around, the Germans changed tactics and began unrestricted submarine warfare again, hoping to cut off Allied supplies and win the war before the US entered… Zimmermann Note • Meanwhile, The German Foreign Minister, Arthur Zimmermann, sent Mexico a telegram stating that if Mexico declared war on the US that Germany would help Mexico take back Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. • German U-boats and telegrams pushed US public opinion against the Germans, as had German brutality in their march through Belgium toward France (Schlieffen Plan) American poster using the "Rape of Belgium" to raise money for War Bonds, 1918 April 2,1917 - Wilson called for war to “make the world safe for democracy.” He cited Germany’s submarine policy as “warfare on mankind” and asked Congress to recognize that a state of war existed between the US and Germany. April 6, 1917 – US Congress declared war. ENTRY # 34 • Why did the US enter WWI? Please explain in a full paragraph. There are multiple reasons…what do you believe to be the main cause?