6.6 US in WW1

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Historical context of US involvement in WW1

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Washington’s Farewell Address (1796) and Monroe Doctrine (1820) emphasized staying out of European affairs.

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US neutrality at the start of WW1

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Most Americans supported neutrality, recalling Washington’s Farewell Address.

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Germany's unrestricted submarine warfare

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Germany used U-boats to torpedo ships without warning, violating 'freedom of the seas.'

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Impact of unrestricted submarine warfare on the US

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The sinking of ships like the Lusitania, which included American passengers, caused an uproar in the US.

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Germany's strategy change in submarine warfare

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Germany switched to restricted submarine warfare but resumed unrestricted attacks after stalemates in Europe.

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Zimmerman Telegram

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Germany asked Mexico to declare war on the US, promising to help Mexico reclaim lost territory from the Mexican American War.

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Unrestricted Submarine Warfare

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Led to US public opinion changing and more people advocating for joining the war.

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US Involvement in WWI

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US provided Britain and France with billions in wartime loans and had 127,000 members in the US Army in 1916.

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Selective Service Act (1917)

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Implemented a draft; by the end of the war, 4 million served in the armed forces.

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Economic Mobilization

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US government did not direct war production for businesses but oversaw and directed workers.