Effects of Allied blockade 1914, $70 million in trade with Central powers 1916, trade reduced to $1.3 million Allied trade Grew from $825 million to $3.2 billion in same time period WWI transformed the US from a debtor to a creditor nation

The Germans could not match Great Britain's superior navy. SUBMARINE WARFARE The Germans could not match Great Britain's superior navy. Germans introduced unrestricted submarine warfare with U-Boats Germans warned the world they would sink any ship they believed was carrying contraband to Great Britain.

U-Boats Two types small subs with a crew of 24 larger subs with a crew of 60 44 by 1918 By 1918, Germans had sunk 6,500 allied ships.

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Germans believed it was carrying contraband (weapons) to the British. SINKING OF THE LUSITANIA May 7, 1915, the Germans sunk the Lusitania which was British passenger liner. Germans believed it was carrying contraband (weapons) to the British. Killed 1,198 civilians including 128 Americans. U.S. and other countries outraged towards Germany because of “unrestricted submarine warfare”. US believed the Germans had violated international law of targeting civilians

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BUT, President Wilson was able “keep us out of war” …. SINKING OF THE LUSITANIA After the sinking of the Lusitania, public opinion of most Americans was to go to war with Germany. Germany promised they would not sink anymore ships unless warning them first and providing safety for civilians. BUT, President Wilson was able “keep us out of war” ….

X Sussex Sunk: led to Sussex Pledge in May 1916. Germany promised not to sink anymore ships. war zone