AIM: Why did the United States enter World War I in 1917? U.S. Entry into W.W. I. AIM: Why did the United States enter World War I in 1917?

I. Uneasy Neutrality War breaks out in1914 Horrors of W.W.I

C. Initial U.S. Response Declaration of Neutrality a. Attitude of 8 million German immigrants and 4 million Irish b. Pro-British and Pro-French 1) British cut cable line from Ger.

D. Economic Credit to Allies $2 Billion to Allies $28 Million to Germany

E. Problems with Neutrality Conflict over Neutral Rights at Sea a. British blockade of North Sea b. German use of submarines 2. Sinking of the Lusitania 1915

American Protests Sec.of State Bryan resigns and joins Pacifists. Arabic Pledge – Germany promises not sink Liners w/o warning. Sussex Pledge – Ger. Sinks French ship, kills 2 Americans, promises again

F. Debate over Preparedness Demands for stronger army and navy a. Progressives and Pacifists suspicious of standing military National Defense Act 1916 a. Army – 175,000/Nat. Guard 440,000

3. Revenue Act 1916 - Progressives finally push thru income tax.

G. Election of 1916 1. Wilson, “He Kept Us Out of War”

H. Bombshells of 1917 Zimmerman Telegram

2. Russian Revolution 1917 Treaty of Brest-Litovsk

II. U.S. Entry into War “Make the World Safe for Democracy.” 1. April 2, 1917

B. U.S. Reasons 1. Effects of British Propaganda

U.S. trade with Allies a. Pressure form war profiteers and munitions makers

3. Submarine Warfare From March 1916 to 1917 Germany upheld the Sussex Pledge January 1917-German military high command orders unrestricted submarine warfare hoping to cut off supplies to Allies and win war quickly