Ch. 23, Section 2: America’s Road to War Main Idea: The U.S. entered the conflict on the side of the Allies. Key Terms: Propaganda Autocracy

American Neutrality Beginning of the war, President Woodrow Wilson declared the U.S. would be neutral. People soon chose sides, most siding with the Allies. Many Americans were foreign- born or children of immigrants, and they sided with their countries of origin. Ties of language, customs, and tradition linked the U.S. and Britain.

Propaganda President Wilson sympathized with the Allies. Both sides used propaganda to influence American opinion. Allied propaganda was more effective than propaganda for the Central Powers.

American Neutrality America’s early involvement included trade with both Germany and Britain. Because of Britain’s blockade, the U.S. was barred from trading with Germany but continued to trade with Britain. Involvement also included lending Britain and France billions of dollars to help pay for their war efforts.

American Neutrality The U.S. experienced an economic boom as a result. Germany was angry because the U.S., a supposedly neutral nation, was helping the Allies.

U-Boats Germany used its U-boats to stop American aid Britain, ignoring President Wilson’s warning that it would hold Germany responsible for any American lives lost.

Lusitania In May 1915, a German U- boat torpedoed the British passenger liner Lusitania. The ship sank and more than 1,000 people died, including 128 American citizens.

Sussex Another attack occurred several months later when a German U-boat torpedoed an unarmed French passenger ship, Sussex.

Sussex Pledge The resulting Sussex Pledge was a German offering to compensate injured Americans. The Pledge was also a promise to warn neutral ships and passenger vessels before attacking. It temporarily resolved the issued and kept America out of the war.

The End of Neutrality In 1916, before the U.S. entered the war, it strengthened its military. Legislation doubled the size of the army Provided money to build new warships Even though President Wilson hoped to stay out of the war and antiwar sentiment was strong.

Neutrality Ends American neutrality ended when Germany reversed its submarine-warfare policy. It said it would sink all merchant vessels, armed or unarmed, sailing to allied ports. President Wilson broke off diplomatic relations with Germany.

The End of Neutrality A new wave of anti-German feeling grew when a secret telegram, the Zimmerman note, was published. In February 1917, German foreign minister Arthur Zimmerman sent a telegram to Mexico with an offer of financial support if Mexico would conquer lost territory in Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona.

The End of Neutrality Other events occurred that convinced President Wilson that the United States could no longer stay neutral. The U.S. joined the war on the side of the Allies. – 1. In 1917 a revolution in Russia toppled the monarchy and replaced it with a temporary gov’t that promised free elections. Americans believed that this new democratic gov’t would help the Allies to defeat Germany. – 2. In March 1917, Germans attacked and sank four American ships.

The End of Neutrality In April 1917, Wilson asked Congress for a declaration of war against Germany. Congress did not agree immediately Later most members agreed that, if the U.S. was to remain a great world power and defend its rights, war was necessary. On April 6 th, President Wilson signed the declaration of war.

In order to raise an army, Congress passed the Selective Service Act on May 18 th, establishing a military draft. Men ages 21 to 30 registered. The draft age was later extended from 18 to 45. By the end of the war, about 24 million men had registered and about 3 million had been called to serve. About 2 million joined voluntarily.

Women in the War Women enlisted in the armed forces, serving as noncombat workers operating radios, and as clerks and nurses.

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African Americans in War Many African Americans were accepted into the army and navy but not the marines. They faced discrimination and racism. Many help low-level jobs, Of the 140,000 sent to Europe, only 40,000 fought. Some received medal for bravery from the French gov’t, and one African American soldier received the French Cross of War, the highest medal of honor in France