1. The united states and the great war

2. Woodrow Wilson Elected 1913 and again in 1917 Progressive/idealist
“He kept us out of the war”
Progressive/idealist
At the end of war, he saw an opportunity to reshape international relations

3. Neutrality 1914, US declare neutrality
American Immigrants supported Central Powers
Germans
Majority of Americans backed allies

4. Problems at Sea Wilson wanted freedom of seas
Germany enacts Unrestricted Submarine Warfare (1915) to stop US ships going to the UK
U-boats: German submarines

5. Lusitania May 7th 1915, Lusitania torpedoed, kills 128 Americans
Carrying supplies
Sussex Pledge: ends Unrestricted sub warfare for a short time (1916)

6. War? US providing supplies to allies
In 1916, the National Defense Act, increases standing army

7. Last Straw Unrestricted sub warfare resumes (Feb.1917)
Zimmerman Note (March 1917) sent to Mexico from Germany
Mexico to get lost territories back
Fake?
April 6th, 1917 Congress declares war

8. America Prepares
Selective Service Act: 21 to 30 year olds register with draft boards (changes to 18)
2.8 million drafted between
Economy shifted to wartime
Conserve

9. In sum… American entrance vital for ally victory
America supplied the allies with just about everything
American deaths did not match French/GB but were still significant