America and the Great War Isolation to Alliance

Isolation Although America had grown to imperialistic standards, isolation still remained a central political idea, especially when dealing with Europe. Monroe Doctrine still rang true for most Americans; mind the Western Hemisphere and whatever goes on in the East does not effect us.

Isolation… Except when there is a Profit to be made As war broke out in 1914 in Europe, America was in the midst of an economic recession. However, the war would be just what the U.S. needed to break out of it. France and Britain place large orders of manufactured weapons to the United States.

Neutrality??? Wilson claimed his “neutral shipping rights” did not violate international law, and stated he was willing to sell to the Central Powers as well. However, the British blockade of Germany and control of the Atlantic prevented this from happening.

Underseeboot or U-Boats Germany, however, had an alternate plan. Their development of the highly advanced U-Boat, have them a new upper hand in the Atlantic. They proclaimed a state of “Unrestricted Submarine Warfare” Berlin officials claimed they would not try to sink neutral ships, however, it was a possibility.

Wilson’s Response Wilson, not wanting to take isolated America into war, attempted to play both sides. America would continue their very profitable neutral shipping business, while gambling there would not be an international incident.

The Lusitania However, that gamble did not pay off, as the Lusitania, a passenger ship, was sunk by a German U-Boat. 128 Americans were killed. Cries for war came from the people and politicians, in particular, Teddy Roosevelt.