Who remembers what propaganda is? As a neutral nation, U.S. claimed the right to trade with either side in the conflict Britain German – Early in the war, Britain blockaded German ports, hoping to starve Germany into surrender – In response, Germany set up a blockade around Britain

To enforce the blockade, Germany used a fleet of U-boats U-Boat: a German boat that attacked any ship that entered or left British ports This meant neutral ships would also be attacked

U-Boat attacks on neutral shipping raised a ton of protest Under international law, a country at war could stop & search a neutral ship suspected of carrying war goods – BUT U-boats simply torpedoed enemy & neutral ships Germany warned the U.S. & other neutral nations to keep their ships out of blockade zones Wilson vowed to hold Germany responsible if its U- boats caused any loss of U.S. life/ property

Murder on the High Seas Germany ignored Wilson’s warning May 7, 1915: German submarine torpedoed the Lusitania off the coast of Ireland Lusitania: British passenger ship carrying British & U.S. civilians – 1,200 people died (128 Americans)

Wilson threatened to break any ties if Germany didn’t stop sinking passenger ships – Germany agreed Didn’t want to pull U.S. into Allied Powers – Sussex Pledge: before attacking any ship, Germany promised that U-boats would surface & give warning This kept us out of war for the time being Heyyyy

From Neutrality to War Even though he preached neutrality & peace, Wilson began to prepare stronger army/ navy 1916 – Wilson runs for reelection against Charles Hughes (R) Hughes favored neutrality, but democrats used propaganda to portray him as a warmonger Wilson’s image improved as he “kept us out of war” & he won Warmonger: person who tries to stir up war

Moving Towards War Germany had decided to renew sub-warfare in a desperate attempt to break Allied blockades – they would have orders to sink any ship nearing Britain – Germany knew renewed U-boat attacks would bring the U.S. into war – They gambled they would defeat the Allies before U.S. got involved Wilson broke off diplomatic relations with Germany – What does “diplomatic” mean?

Zimmermann Telegram Urged Mexico into attacking the U.S. if U.S. declared war on Germany. In return, Germany would help Mexico win back its “lost provinces” in the American SW – Texas, Arizona, N. Mexico – This caused anti-German feelings to SOAR

Russia Revolution in Russia German subs sank several American merchant ships Russia Revolution in Russia drove Czar Nicholas II from power Czars: Russian emperors who rule with absolute power – Revolutionaries rebelled against czar, as their economy dwindled & there were food shortages Wilson welcomed the Russian Revolution – Firm believer in democracy – Against his principles to be an ally of an absolute ruler

War Comes “The World Must be Made Safe for Democracy” April 6, 1917: Wilson declares war