Why would the USA join the deadliest battle of all time?

Causes of America’s entry into WWI L Causes of America’s entry into WWI L.O: List the three main causes of the Us joining the war Discuss which was the most influential Review Russia’s position in the war

Why wasn’t America involved from the start? In the beginning the United States wanted to remain neutral. The war was happening in Europe. Wilson was re-elected in 1916 On the slogan “He kept us out of the war”

Neutral: Isolationism: Write down what you think the word means- not supporting or helping either side in a conflict, disagreement, etc.; impartial Isolationism: Write down what you think the word means- a policy of remaining apart from the affairs or interests of other groups, especially the political affairs of other countries

Why America remained NEUTRAL: Americans were divided in their loyalties (ex. British-Americans, Irish-Americans and German-Americans) President Woodrow Wilson did not want foreign problems to disrupt his Presidency (1916- “He kept us out of war!” re-election slogan) Americans still liked the idea of being ISOLATIONISTS (keeping out of the war)

What pulled America into the War? The Four Key Factors Unlimited Submarine (U-Boat) warfare The sinking of the Lusitania Sussex Pledge is broken The Zimmerman Telegram

Event What happened Rating Unlimited Submarine (U-Boat) warfare Lusitania Sussex Pledge The Zimmerman Telegram

Unlimited Submarine (u-boat) warfare According to international law civilian ships must be warned before sinking – allowing for passengers to escape to safety. Germany was not doing this!

The Sinking of the Lusitania British passenger liner that set sail from New York carrying American citizens. It was sunk without warning on May 7, 1915 off the coast of Ireland 1,198 lost; 128 US citizens Germans claimed the Lusitania was carrying contraband (war materials: guns, ammunition…) She was! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9G8iU1KOjsg

May 7, 1915: Sinking of the Lusitania MEDIA REACTIONS The New York Times called the Germans “savages drunk with blood.” The German press "applauded the attack as an 'extraordinary success,'" The English Daily Mail referred to it as "The Hun's Most Ghastly Crime."

German propaganda disaster The actual sinking of the Lusitania was enough of a disaster. It was made even worse when a German medal-maker decided to cast a medal to celebrate its sinking. The British circulated copies as further evidence of German ‘barbarism’. The German government ordered all German copies to be destroyed – but too late.

This, in fact, is the second edition of the medal. The first had the Wrong date for the sinking (5 May instead of the 7 May)

Propaganda Poster from 1915 1. What risk do you think the Germans were running with their un-restricted submarine warfare campaign? 2. Why, nonetheless, do you think they went ahead with it? 3. Why was the sinking of the Lusitania a public relations disaster for the Germans? 4. What does the poster suggest was another benefit for the British?

RESULT of the Sinking of the Lusitania Germany despite promises sunk another ship – The Sussex, killing 2 Americans President Wilson protested & Germany issued the Sussex Pledge – not “to sink merchant or passenger ships without warning and without saving human lives”

Sussex Pledge The Sussex Pledge broken: February 1, 1917 Germany continued unlimited submarine warfare

Zimmerman Telegram AMERICANS WERE OUTRAGED!!! March 1917 The Zimmermann telegram released If the U.S. entered War against Central Powers, Mexico should attack the U.S. and receive as a reward: Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. AMERICANS WERE OUTRAGED!!!

What can you infer from this cartoon? (3 marks)

Rate the events in your table and then answer the following question in PEE form: What was the most influential factor prompting America to join the war and why?

Also… What key thing related to the American dream may lead to their involvement?

Supplying the Allies Trading Countries 1914 1917 Allies 500 million Neutrality stopped when $$$ came into the picture!! Who were America trading with more? The Allies or Germany? Do you think this influenced their decision? Why? Trading Countries 1914 1917 Allies 500 million 3.5 billion Germany 169 million 1.1 billion Neutral 187 million 280 million Total 856 million 4.88 billion This is a $4 BILLION increase

1917- The United States ENTERS the war The world must be made safe for Democracy! It is time for the U.S. to enter this war! President Woodrow Wilson

Caption: Uncle Sam throws off his Coat at last! (Symbol for the United States) Pencil notes on the margin: “The Superior Person rises superior to his superiority (at last!) Artist: W. K. Haselden On 6th April 1917 President Wilson signed the Declaration of War by Congress Cartoon in the Daily Mirror on April 4th 1917

NEWSFLASH: Why am I playing this song?

15th Dec 1917 Russia OUT

Russia was part of the Triple Entente: Britain & France were still at war. Plus, although Russia had experienced heavy defeats against Germany in the past 2 and a half years, at the same time had achieved significant successes.

So… What happened to make Russia bow out??

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THE START OF A REVOLUTION 8th March1917 Riots! THE START OF A REVOLUTION https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KrkwgTBrW78&safe=active

15th March Tsar Nicholas II Abdicates

On 25 October 1917, the Bolsheviks seized power from the provisional government in St Petersburg

October The Bolshevik Revolution So, as the struggle for control of the country began, parts of the Russian military continued to fight on the war front, others quit fighting altogether, and others even fought each other!

Effects of U.S. Involvement and Russia’s cease fire in the War Russia leaving left Germany in a strong position BUT America’s military resources of soldiers and war materials tipped the balance of the war and led to Germany’s defeat in 1918

Eastern Front Western Front

Eastern Front Western Front

Effects of U.S. Involvement in the War America’s military resources of soldiers and war materials tipped the balance of the war and led to Germany’s defeat in 1918

OVERALL, was 1917 a good year for the Allies OVERALL, was 1917 a good year for the Allies? Give three reasons for your answer