The United States and WWI The decision to fight

Cultural Ties Most Americans supported the Allies Because of America’s history, most felt a connection due to language, culture, etc. However, some German Americans, Irish Americans, and Russian Jewish immigrants favored the Central powers Why would these groups be on the side of the Central powers?

The Lusitania and Submarine Warfare The Lusitania, a British cruise/transport ship, bound for Britain from New York was sunk in 1915. 1195 people died, including 128 Americans. There were unauthorized German submarines along the US East coast. Germany resumed unrestricted submarine warfare in the spring of 1917.

German U-boats

Lusitania

Economics The U.S. had a major economic investment with the British and French. U.S. paid about 2 billion dollars (with a ‘b’) to the Allies, while Germany only borrowed 27 million. If Allies could not pay back all the loans made to them by the American bankers, the US's economy could collapse.

Politics and Propaganda Propaganda from both sides Woodrow Wilson did not want to go to war (as we read in his speech) but announced a preparedness program.

Ideology – Beliefs President Wilson wanted to make the world better for democracy There seemed to be a moral reason - Britain and France were fighting the good fight for freedom against the “evil” Central Powers.

The Zimmerman Note The Zimmerman Telegram (sometimes called the "Zimmerman note" or "Zimmerman telegraph") finally pushed the US to war. The Zimmerman Telegram was sent from the German foreign secretary to the German Ambassador to Mexico. On the first of February, 1917, submarine warfare will be reinstated without restriction. The US has to stay neutral. Germany proposes an alliance with Mexico on the following basis: If the US goes to war, Mexico must fight on the home front in a financially supported alliance with Germany; If Mexico agrees to fight, they will re- conquer New Mexico, Texas and Arizona.

The Zimmerman Note – Cont’d The telegraph was intercepted by British Intelligence and transmitted to the American government by the Brits. This infuriated Americans. It was the same sort of alliance that plunged Europe into war.