1. The United States in World War I
Chapter 18
Section 2
The First World War
Riddlebarger

2. United States Stays Neutral
Americans saw the war as a European conflict
President Wilson declared we were neutral
American isolationism- policy of not being involved in the affairs of other nations.
United States Stays Neutral
Lusitania sinking will test this policy
1200 die; 128 are American
Why was the ship sunk?

3. Leaning Toward the Allies
President Wilson favors the Allies
Concerned about German tactics
Deeper political, cultural and economic ties to Britain and France
Financially, the U.S. was not neutral
U.S. did business with both sides, particularly the British
They are buying $75 million in war goods/week by 1917

4. German Submarine Warfare
British blockade of Germany causes them great suffering
Germany responds with use of U-boats (submarines)
Begins sinking all enemy ships encountered and warns neutral ships in war zone that they may be targeted too
Unrestricted submarine warfare
This angers most Americans
Wilson felt it violated our neutrality
After Lusitania is sunk, he demands an end to it

5. Sussex Pledge
Facing international criticism, Germany relents on unrestricted submarine warfare
Agree to attack only (war) supply ships
Less than a year late, a French ship is attacked, killing 80 people
Wilson threatens Germany again
Fearing the U.S. may join the Allies, they make the Sussex Pledge
Promised not to sink merchant ships “without warning and without saving human lives.”

6. Wilson’s re-election
Wilson campaigned promising not to send American boys to die in Europe.
He kept us out of war
Rival, Charles Evans Hughes, takes a pro-war position
Wilson wins a close election
After his election, he attempts to get the sides to settle the war; “peace without victory”
Angers Allies who blame Germans for starting the war
German then ends unrestricted submarine warfare and U.S. will end diplomatic relations.

7. The Zimmermann Note
German telegram intercepted that proposed an alliance between Mexico and Germany
Promises Mexico lost territories (New Mexico, Arizona & Texas)
Germany hopes this would keep US out of war in Europe
Mexico showed no interest in fighting
Publication of excerpts of proposal arouse American support for war.

8. 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 endeavour 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 reconquer 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.
Zimmermann
(Secretary of State)
Source: Source Records of the Great War, Vol. V, ed. Charles F. Horne, National Alumni 1923

9. United States declares war
Uprising in Russia forces Czar from power and raised concerns of how long Russia will stay in the war
More American like the idea of joining Allies now that a more democratic government is in Russia
mid-March 1917, 3 more American ships sunk
April 2: Wilson asks Congress for war make the world “safe for democracy”
Congress approves on April 6, 1917

10. “ The world be made safe for democracy.”
The war resolution passes by a wide margin and is signed by Wilson on April 6th.

11. Americans in Europe

12. Raising an army
Selective Service Act: requires men between the ages of 21 and 30 to register to be drafted into the armed services.
Some go willingly
Others asked to be “conscientious objectors”
Those whose moral or religious beliefs prevented them from fighting in a war.
Many were rejected by draft boards and had to choose: service or prison
When they reported for duty, they often found very little ready, equipment & facility-wise
Segregated Military: blacks & Latinos usually given menial jobs

13. Arriving in Europe
American Expeditionary Force (AEF) led by John J. Pershing
1st US troops arrive in June 1917; most won’t come for much longer
Convoy System used to transport troops safely
Reduces number of ships sunk and increases safety of men and supplies
Will be nearly a year before US troops in full combat
US helps tilt balance of power in favor of Allies.

14. American military women
Some women sign up to serve overseas.
Communications (switchboard operators)
Nurses
Typists, bookkeepers, electricians
Army, Navy Marines

15. The War Ends

16. The Armistice
Later summer and into fall of 1918, Americans help Allies push Germans back
The war is crippling the German economy; lack of civilian food & supplies
Strikes & riots in Germany; revolt in Austria-Hungary
Central Powers begin surrendering
Early November, Austria-Hungary signs peace agreement
November 11, the guns fell silent as Germany signs armistice (cease-fire)
Some of the celebration was muted by the tragedy that was the war
Around 8.5 million dead
“The war to end all wars”???

17. “There came a second of expectant silence, and then a curious rippling sound...it was the sound of men cheering from the Vosges [mountain range] to the sea.”
-John Buchan (Allied Soldier), The King’s Grace, 1935