Why did the U.S. enter WWI? The Wilson Presidency and Conspiracies

What is going on over seas? 6/28/1914: Archduke Ferdinand (Austrian) is assassinated by a Serbian terrorist – Austria invades Serbia meanwhile, Germany (Austria’s ally) invades Russia (Serbia’s ally) Pg 447

What is going on over seas? By August 3, Germany declares war against France (ally of Russia); the following day Britain enters the war as an ally of France Pg 447

What did the Election of 1916 look like? Wilson (D) vs. Charles E. Hughes (R) Neutrality – “He kept us out of war” – Wilson wins a second term – Neutrality is broken April 1917

Before going any further, we must investigate if the U.S. was ever really “neutral”… In groups (preselected) you will receive a conspiracy theory (or push factor) around the U.S.’s entry into WWI. – Your goal: Inform your classmates about the conspiracy (push factor) by creating a presentation around the incident/event

Before going any further, we must investigate if the U.S. was ever really “neutral”… You will be given a poster in which you can bullet point the main parts of the conspiracy (push factor). One or two people will present it to the class in an organized fashion. This means your representatives will need to cover every important piece of information about the conspiracy and be able to answer questions!! CREATE A QUESTION TO PLACE AT THE TOP OF YOUR POSTER!!

Answer the following question in your notes. (*It should be a small paragraph.) Was America truly neutral before formally declaring entry into WWI?

What is historically viewed as the immediate cause to American entry in WWI? In March, 1917 the Zimmerman Telegram was intercepted – Germany’s bribe to Mexico Russian Revolution – Turns autocratic czar into a republic

When did America go to War? What was the outcome of their involvement? 4/2/1917 formal address to Congress – 4/6/1917 entry into combat Legislation Espionage Act (1917): prohibited interfering w/ government actions (ex. Draft); display of national disloyalty Sedition Act (1918): speaking out against government; causing danger to society (breaking the peace)

When did the war end? What was the outcome of their involvement? Fourteen Points (January 1918): plan for peace and justification of the war 11/11/1918 it ends Treaty of Versailles (January 1919)