CHAPTER 22
REASONS UNITED STATES ENTERED WWI.
1. GERMAN SUBMARINE WARFARE Also called the U-boat. Engaged to stop British from getting supplies Began w/warning a ship, let people off. Moved to surprise attacks British wanted US to hate Germany. Lusitania, British passenger liner, sunk in 1915. 1200 civilians dead, 128 Americans
Sussex pledge-warn ships before attacking to keep diplomatic ties b/t US and Germany. Our neutrality weakened.
2. Germany ends the Sussex Pledge Wilson won election of 1916. Wilson broke off ties w/ Germany and asked Congress to arm merchant ships.
3. Zimmerman Note Zimmerman Note- a note from Germany to Mexico telling Mexico if they declared war on the US they would be rewarded w/ American land in the Southwest. Mexico was in a civil war and did not threaten US. Edged US closer to war
4. Revolution in Russia Czar Nicholas II forced to give up throne. Replaced w/ a republican govn’t US could now join the allies w/ Russia having a Republican govn’t.
5. US ships sunk Memphis, Illinois, Vigilancia sunk.
US enters WWI Wilson said, “the world must be made safe for democracy.” April 16, 1917 signed declaration of war.