BELLWORK: WWI Naval Warfare “On the Seas” (525) 1. Why did Britain need control of the seas? 2. Why did Germany want control of the seas? 3. What is a naval blockade? Why did Britain use it? Was it successful? “Submarine Warfare” (527) 4. What is submarine warfare? Why did Germany use it? Was it successful? 5. How did Germany’s use of U-Boats affect their relationship with the U.S.?

U.S. Involvement in WWI From neutrality to war

German U-Boats  German U-Boats, or submarines, were used to attack enemy ships.  Submarine Warfare: blockade a country and attack any ship that was thought to be carrying war supplies.  By 1915, Germany was attacking civilian, commercial and war ships.

German U-Boats  President Wilson issued an ultimatum to the German government in 1915: “Germany will be held responsible for the loss of American lives or damage to American ships.”

 President Wilson on U.S. neutrality:  “We must be impartial in thought, as well as, action!”

U.S. NEUTRALITY  In August 1914, Wilson officially declared the U.S. “neutral.”  Although “neutral,” the U.S. was secretly giving food and supplies to the Allies and loaned them $2.25 billion.  Wilson was reelected in 1916 with the slogan, “HE KEPT US OUT OF WAR!”

View of American Citizens  Allied war purchases created an economic boom in the U.S. American trade with Allied powers increased from $825 million in 1914 to $3.2 billion in 1916.

Lusitania  May 7, 1915 – German submarine attacked the Lusitania, a British passenger ship.  The Germans believed the ship was secretly carrying weapons to Britain.  Killed 1,000 people, including 128 Americans.  Wilson struggles to maintain neutrality.

Although President Wilson viewed this event as a direct attack on America, he didn’t declare war until two years later. Why? Why did the U.S. continue neutrality even though they had been attacked?

Zimmerman Note  In January 1917, Arthur Zimmerman, a German official, proposed a deal with Mexico.  Mexico should ally itself with Germany to attack the U.S.  In return, Mexico would receive land lost to the U.S. in  A British official intercepted Zimmerman’s telegram and spread the news to the U.S.

U.S. Declares War  In 1917, Germany sunk four more American merchant ships.  On April 2, 1917 President Wilson declared war on the Central Powers.  Wilson called upon Americans to help “make the world safe for democracy.”  How do you think the U.S. entering WWI is going to change the balance of power?

CLOSURE  In your notes, create a flow chart explaining the steps towards American entrance into WWI Wilson proclaims neutrality, but aides Allies German’s start submarine warfare, sinking of the Lusitania – Wilson issues ultimatum to Germany – Zimmerman Note Germany sinks four more American merchant ships U.S. declares war

HOMEWORK  Just as the U.S. became involved in WWI, Russia will withdrawal from the war.  In order to learn more about what happened to Russia……Read pgs and complete the front page of the Russian Revolution worksheet.  This is a key event in war and a major turning point in Western-Russian relations, so make sure you read and understand it!