1. Chapter 24, Lesson 2 America’s Road to War

2. Neutrality Wilson and many in the US wanted to stay out of war in Europe German & Irish immigrants liked Central powers Many in US had strong ties to British Both sides in war used propaganda: info to influence opinion “German ‘barbarians’ for invading Belgium”

3. Trading US businesses traded w/ both sides British blockade of German ports stopped US ships & seized goods Brits: “War is not for US profit” US continued trading with Allies & banks loaned billions of $$, which angered Germans

4. Submarines Germans would sink any vessels using British harbors Pres Wilson said any harm would be held responsible May 7, 1915 German U-boat sank the British passenger ship Lusitania, 1,000 killed (128 Americans) http://youtu.be/9G8iU1KOjsg?t=34s French ship Sussex attacked & Americans hurt

5. End of Neutrality Germany offers Sussex Pledge: $ for injured & promise to warn before attacking Congress is alarmed beef up army, build warships Wilson still wanted to stay out

6. End of Neutrality Germans say they’ll sink any ship Zimmerman telegram (German alliance w/ Mexico) is intercepted Russian Czar (autocracy: gov’t w/ 1 person in power) is overthrown in revolution & new gov’t promising democracy US can fight a war for freedom for others

7. US Enters War Congress declares war & signed by Wilson April 6, 1917 Selective Service Act: Military draft & 24 million men ages 21-30 registered by end 300,000+ Afr Am joined but faced racism, had low level jobs 40K/140K Afr Am who went to Europe saw combat