1. US Enters The Great War (WWI)

2. US Neutral at First Maintained a policy of isolationism (Monroe Doctrine) US traded more often with Allies than Central Powers

3. Supposed to stop and search merchant ships U-Boats are defenseless above water Germany sinks ships without warning Germany Violates Neutrality

4. Lusitania British passenger ship sunk by Germany near Ireland (May 1915) 1200 killed, 128 Americans Wilson angry Germany said the ship had war materials, and warned US to stay out of war zone

7. Sussex Pledge Germany sinks French passenger ship, Sussex Wilson threatens to stop trade all relations with Germany Germany pledges to stop sinking merchant ships without warning - Sussex Pledge

9. Wilson Reelected - 1916 Wilson promised to keep US out of war Shows most citizens of US do not want to go to war Wilson tells Europe to stop fighting - “peace without victory” - they say no

10. 19 January, 1917: The Zimmerman Note to the German Minister to Mexico Berlin, January 19, 1917 On the first of February we intend to begin submarine warfare unrestricted. In spite of this, it is our intention to endeavor to keep neutral the United States of America. If this attempt is not successful, we propose an alliance on the following basis with Mexico: That we shall make war together and together make peace. We shall give general financial support, and it is understood that Mexico is to conquer the lost territory in New Mexico, Texas, and Arizona. The details are left to you for settlement.... You are instructed to inform the President of Mexico of the above in the greatest confidence as soon as it is certain that there will be an outbreak of war with the United States and suggest that the President of Mexico, on his own initiative, should communicate with Japan suggesting adherence at once to this plan; at the same time, offer to mediate between Germany and Japan. Please call to the attention of the President of Mexico that the employment of ruthless submarine warfare now promises to compel England to make peace in a few months. Zimmerman (Secretary of State of Germany)

11. US Declares War Sinking of the Lusitania Germany breaks Sussex Pledge Zimmerman Note - Letter to Mexico from Germany telling Mexico to attack the US was intercepted US declares war in1917

12. Preparing For War: How Would You Solve the Following Issues? Lack of food/fuel for soldiers and weapons Lack of support for the war People speaking out against US involvement in the war Lack of soldiers Lack of money for war effort Strikes during war slow down production of war goods