BELLWORK 4/9: “A World War” (pg. 651) Why did the stalemate cause countries to seek new allies? How were the Allied Powers able to gain an advantage over the Ottoman Empire? 2 ways! (consider new allies & nations at war) What is a naval blockade? Why did Britain use it? German response? THINKER: Throughout 1914-1916, the U.S. officially proclaimed “neutrality.” In your opinion, do you think it is possible for a world power (like the U.S.) to remain neutral during a global conflict? Why or why not? Explain!
Widening of the War 1917: Middle Eastern Involvement Arab provinces encouraged to revolt against Ottoman rulers
Widening of the War 1918: Colonial Involvement Britain mobilizes troops from their colonies in Africa & Asia
Naval Blockade What is a naval blockade? Why did Britain use it? German response?
What about the U.S.??? THINKER: Throughout 1914-1916, the U.S. officially proclaimed “neutrality.” In your opinion, do you think it is possible for a world power (like the U.S.) to remain neutral during a global conflict? Why or why not? Explain!
U.S. Involvement in WWI From neutrality to war
German U-Boats German U-Boats, or submarines, were used to attack enemy ships. Submarine Warfare: blockade a country and attack any ship carrying war supplies. By 1915, Germany attacked civilian, merchant and war ships.
German U-Boats President Wilson issued an ultimatum to the German government in 1915 “Germany will be held responsible for the loss of American lives or damage to American ships.”
U.S. Neutrality Why would President Wilson maintain neutrality? How did the U.S. benefit from staying neutral?
Lusitania May 7, 1915 – German submarine attacked the Lusitania, a British passenger ship. The Germans believed the ship was secretly carrying weapons to Britain. Killed 1,000 people, including 128 Americans. Wilson struggles to maintain neutrality issues a warning and ultimatum to Germany
Although President Wilson viewed this event as a direct attack on America, he didn’t declare war until two years later. Why? Why did the U.S. continue neutrality even though they had been attacked?
Zimmerman Note In January 1917, Arthur Zimmerman, a German official, proposed a deal with Mexico. Mexico should ally itself with Germany to attack the U.S. In return, Mexico would receive land lost to the U.S. in 1848. A British official intercepted Zimmerman’s telegram and spread the news to the U.S.
U.S. Declares War In 1917, Germany sunk four more American merchant ships. On April 2, 1917 President Wilson declared war on the Central Powers. Wilson called upon Americans to help “make the world safe for democracy.” How do you think the U.S. entering WWI is going to change the balance of power?
Review: U.S. Involvement https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DHn1Egt6Xdg
CLOSURE REVIEW In your notes, create a flow chart explaining the steps towards American entrance into WWI. 1. 1914 - Wilson proclaims neutrality, but aides Allies 2. 1915 -Germany starts submarine warfare sinks Lusitania 3. 1915 – Wilson issues ultimatum to Germany 4. 1917 – Zimmerman Note 5. 1917 - Germany sunk 4 more American merchant ships 6. 1917 - U.S. declares war
America at War Video!