Sinking of the Lusitania 1914: The first World War begins in Europe, pitting the Central Powers (Germany and its allies) against Britain, France, and Russia. The USA remains neutral. American businesses sell supplies to the British. 1915: German U-Boats (submarines) sink the Lusitania, a British ocean liner sailing from New York to Liverpool. Many Americans were on-board. Americans are furious with the Germans, but remain neutral.

Zimmermann Telegraph and War The German Foreign Affairs Secretary, Arthur Zimmermann, sent a secret-code telegram to Mexico, promising to help Mexico regain its “lost territories” of Texas, Arizona, and New Mexico in exchange for its support. News reached the U.S. and Texas; they are furious! On April 2th, 1917, the U.S. declared war on Germany and its allies. The U.S. has entered the war.

Texans Support WWI Nearly 198,000 Texans served in the armed forces including about 450 nurses. By 1918 nearly 5,000 Texans had died. Many military training camps were started in Texas. TX support and patriotism grew as many Texans planted Victory Gardens to conserve food and bought Victory Bonds to benefit the war effort

Texas Economy and WWI Growth of oil industry during WWI was most important economic development in Texas Growth of other factories to supply weapons and other supplies meant more jobs for Texans

The USA in the war American soldiers (known as “doughboys”) reach Europe in 1918, just as Germany launched its final offensive. American troops pick up the slack for the exhausted British and French soldiers and stop the German push forward. Over 100,000 American soldiers fought in WWI. On November 11th, 1918, the Germans sign an armistice (ceasefire)…we honor it as Veterans’ Day to this day!

Progressive Reforms Review

Why Progressive Reforms? Population growth in the cities brought in new problems and forced Texans to deal with existing ones. The Progressive Movement attempted to reform (solve) these problems.

Temperance Progressive reformers targeted the sale of alcoholic beverages as the center of social ills (no-good). They argued that saloons were associated with illegal activities. 1920 – 18th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution made prohibition the law of the land.

Suffrage Women were still working to reform election laws and gain voting rights. Governor William P. Hobby granted Texas women voting rights in Texas primary elections. 1920 – 19th Amendment passed gave women constitutional voting rights in elections.

Evangelical Groups Progressives focused on social morality, a return to religion, and community service. The Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) was a very influential organization that successfully promoted “daily evangelical Christianity,” while promoting good sportsmanship in athletic contests in gyms. The YMCA remains much the same today

Rise of the Second Ku Klux Klan Not all movements that gained popularity after WWI were Progressive! Birth of a Nation, a 1915 silent movie glorifying the KKK’s role fighting Reconstruction, leads to a revival of the Klan. The new Klan not only opposed African-American rights, but also those of Jews, Catholics, and immigrants. They also supported Prohibition. Over 3 million people joined the KKK, including nearly 100,000 Texans. The Ku Klux Klan marches on Washington, 1925. Over 40,000 Klansmen march to show their political force.

EXIT TICKET How did the following lead the US to joining WWI in 1917? A. Lusitania B. Zimmerman Letter