1. The Debate & Decision For War

2. The War Debate
After the Lusitania crisis, a small but vocal minority of influential Republicans called for war
Including Teddy Roosevelt
Feared a German victory would tilt the balance of power in Europe
Majority of Americans were thankful for the booming economy and peace

3. Preparedness
Even pro-war advocates understood the U.S. military was hopelessly unprepared for a major war
Called for preparedness (greater defense spending) after war broke out in Europe
Wilson at first opposed preparedness, but changed his mind in late 1915
Urged Congress to approve an ambitious expansion of the military

4. Preparedness
Wilson went on a nation-wide speaking tour to promote preparedness
June finally convinced Congress to pass the National Defense Act
Increased the regular army to 175,000; approved the construction of more than 50 warships in just one year

5. Opposition to War Many Americans opposed preparedness
Feared it would lead directly to U.S. involvement in the war
Anti-war groups included Populists, Progressives, and Socialists
Women suffragists actively campaigned against military buildup
Would later support the war effort after war was declared in the U.S.

6. The Election of 1916
Wilson won in 1912 largely due to the split between conservative Republicans and the Progressive Party
Wilson’s chances for reelection did not seem strong after Roosevelt rejoined the Republicans
Charles Evans Hughes (Supreme Court justice, former gov. of N.Y.) became candidate for Republican party

7. The Election of 1916
The Democrats adopted the campaign slogan “He Kept Us Out of War”
The peaceful sentiment in the country, Wilson’s progressive record, and Hughes’ weakness as a candidate gave Wilson the victory
Very close election

8. Peace Efforts
Wilson made repeated efforts to keep the U.S. out of the war as well as mediate a peace
1915- sent chief foreign policy advisor to London, Paris, and Berlin to negotiate a peace
This, and other efforts at mediation, were turned away by both the Allies and Central Powers
January Wilson made a speech to Congress, committing to the idealistic hope for “peace without victory”

9. Decision for War- Unrestricted Submarine Warfare
Most important in the U.S. decision for war was a sudden change in German military strategy
Germany decided in early January 1917 to resume unrestricted submarine warfare
Believed if they could cut off the supplies to the Allies, they could beat them into submission before the U.S. could even get involved
Wilson cut off diplomatic ties to Germany days after being informed of their decision

10. Other Causes for U.S. Entry into War
Zimmerman Telegram
German foreign minister Arthur Zimmerman sent a telegram to Mexico proposing Mexico ally itself with Germany
After a presumed victory, Germany would pledge to help return to Mexico its lost territories at the hands of the U.S. (Texas, New Mexico, Arizona)
Convinced Wilson that Germany fully expected war with the U.S.
Russian Revolution
Wilson was personally bothered that one of the Allies was Russia, a nation governed by an autocratic czar
This barrier to U.S. participation was suddenly removed when Russian revolutionaries overthrew the czar and proclaimed a republic

11. Declaration of War
March German U-boats sank five unarmed merchant ships
Wilson was ready for war
April 2, Wilson asks Congress to recognize a state of war existed between the U.S. and Germany
“The world must be made safe for democracy”
April 6- an overwhelming majority of Congress voted for war

12. ? What was preparedness? What did the National Defense Act do?
Why were groups like the Progressives and women’s suffragists opposed to the war?
What were the reasons Wilson won reelection in 1916, despite being a rather unpopular candidate?
Why did Germany decide to resume its method of unrestricted submarine warfare?
What three major events served as immediate causes for U.S. entry into the war?