America's Road to War: From Neutrality to Engagement

America's Road to World War I

From Neutrality to Engagement

America's Road to War

• America initially followed a policy of neutrality during WWI

• Large immigrant population influenced support for different sides

• Allied propaganda depicted German atrocities

• Early American involvement through trade with the Allies

Multiple Select

What policy did America initially follow during WWI?

• A) Neutrality

• B) Support for the Allies

• C) Support for the Central Powers

• D) Interventionism

Support for the Allies

• America initially followed a policy of neutrality during WWI, but eventually shifted to support the Allies.

• This decision was influenced by factors such as

  • German submarine attacks on American ships and

  • The Zimmerman Telegram.

Unrestricted Submarine Warfare

Britain's blockade across the North Sea and the English Channel cut the flow of war supplies, food, and fuel to Germany during World War I. Germany retaliated by using its submarines to destroy neutral ships that were supplying the Allies. The formidable U-boats (unterseeboots) prowled the Atlantic armed with torpedoes. They were Germany’s only weapon of advantage as Britain effectively blocked German ports to supplies. The goal was to starve Britain before the British blockade defeated Germany.

The Lusitania

On May 7, 1915, German submarine U-20 torpedoed the Lusitania, a Cunard passenger liner, off the coast of Ireland. Nearly 1,200 men, women, and children, including 128 Americans, lost their lives. The Allies and Americans considered the sinking an act of indiscriminate warfare. The Germans asserted the Lusitania was carrying war matériel and was therefore a legitimate target.

The Zimmerman Telegram

The telegram revealed a plan to renew unrestricted submarine warfare and to form an alliance with Mexico and Japan if the United States declared war on Germany. The message was intercepted by the British and passed on to the United States; its publication caused outrage and contributed to the U.S. entry into World War I.

Multiple Choice

What event led to the US breaking off diplomatic relations with Germany?

• Seizure of US ships by the British

• Sinking of the Titanic

• The Sussex Pledge

• The Zimmerman Telegram

The Mexican Cession

From Neutrality to Engagement: Year 1917. Germany's plan to engage Mexico in an alliance against the United States. Proposal included reconquering lost territories in Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. Telegram intercepted by the United States, leading to increased tensions and eventual entry into World War I.

Multiple Choice

What was Germany's plan in 1917 that led to increased tensions and eventual entry of the United States into World War I?

• To form an alliance with Mexico against the United States

• To invade the United States through Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona

• To offer peace negotiations with the United States

• To withdraw from the war and declare neutrality

Wilson "Make the World Safe for Democracy"

Multiple Select

What were the main causes of U.S. entering WWI?

• The sinking of the USS Bieber by German U-boats

• The proposal by Germany to Mexico to join the war against the U.S.

• The U.S. desire to spread democracy

• The U.S. desire to gain territory in Europe

Wilson Declares War

On April 2, President Wilson asked Congress to declare war against Germany specifically citing Germany's renewed submarine policy as “a war against mankind. It is a war against all nations.” He also spoke about German spying inside the U.S. and the treachery of the Zimmermann Telegram.