US: From Neutrality to War

A. US Public Opinion 1.Anti-War? – At first many Americans thought of the war as a European War – Popular song at the time – “I didn’t raise my boy to be a Soldier”

2.Allied or Central Powers – Most Americans supported the British and the French b/c of long standing ties – But Millions of Americans had immigrated from the Central Powers and supported them.

B. Propaganda 1. British Propaganda – Used to influence U.S. Opinion – Depicted the Germans as cruel and inhumane 2.German Propaganda – Depicted President Wilson as a liar when it came to Neutrality

C. Germans Violate US Neutrality 1.Sinking the Lusitania – German U-boats (Submarines) attacked many ships without warning instead of stopping and searching them – May 1915 a U-Boat sank a British Passenger Ship, Lusitania

– Killed 1,200 people, included 128 Americans – Infuriates Americans

2.Sussex Pledge – After sinking a French Ship, the Sussex, German govt issues the Sussex Pledge – Promise not to sink merchant vessels w/o warning or saving lives – Does not follow the pledge for very long

3.Zimmerman Note – German Foreign Minister Arthur Zimmerman – Telegram asked Mexico to ally with Germany against the US – They could retake New Mexico, Texas and Arizona

4.Wilson’s Response to German aggression – April 1917 Wilson Asks Congress to declare war on Germany – “The world must be made safe for Democracy” – April 6, 1917 U.S. Declares War on Germany