World War I: America's Path to Involvement

In 1914, most Americans were uninterested in joining WWI, but events gradually drew the U.S. closer to the conflict. Opinions were divided, with socialists and pacifists opposing the war, while ethnic ties influenced public sentiment. The media, controlled by Great Britain, portrayed Germans negatively. Economically, the U.S. was linked to the Allies, with trade favoring Great Britain and France. A British blockade hindered trade with Germany, leading to severe famine. Germany's counter-blockade using U-boats escalated tensions, challenging U.S. neutrality.

What was the general American attitude towards joining the war in 1914?

• Supportive of the Central Powers

• Opposed to fighting in a distant war

• Indifferent to the war

• Eager to join the conflict

Which group criticized the war as a capitalistic endeavor?

• Central Powers supporters

• Irish Americans

• Socialists

• Pacifists

How did British-controlled transatlantic cables affect American perceptions?

• They portrayed the Allies negatively

• They filtered out negative information about the Allies

• They supported the Central Powers

• They had no impact on American perceptions

What was the economic relationship between the U.S. and the Allied powers during the war?

• The U.S. traded equally with both sides

• The U.S. had stronger economic ties with the Central Powers

• The U.S. had stronger economic ties with the Allied powers

• The U.S. stopped trading with all countries

What was the primary reason for the collapse of U.S. trade with Germany?

• German refusal to trade

• Lack of demand for American goods

• British naval blockade

• American neutrality laws

What was the consequence of the British naval blockade on Germany?

• Improved German-American relations

• Increased German exports

• German economic prosperity

• Famine and starvation in Germany

How did Germany respond to the British blockade?

• By seeking peace negotiations

• By increasing trade with the U.S.

• By enacting a counter-blockade using U-boats

• By surrendering to the Allies

What was a significant challenge for German U-boats during the blockade?

• They had unlimited resources

• They were vulnerable when surfaced

• They could easily stop and search vessels

• They were supported by surface vessels

What was the German declaration regarding the waters around the British Isles?

• All vessels would be allowed safe passage

• Neutral vessels would be protected

• Only German vessels could enter

• Any British or Allied vessel would be sunk

What was the American public's reaction to German submarine warfare?

• Increased trade with Germany

• Indifference to the conflict

• Outrage and a challenge to neutrality

• Support for Germany increased