1. America Joins the Fight
World War I
America Joins the Fight

2. US Neutrality Many Americans were of German and British decent
US policy of neutrality made trade possible

3. US Neutrality
The country was torn between the two sides and who to support
US could trade freely with Germany and Britain during the war, boosting the American economy

4. Russian Revolution Russian economy is in ruins
People are war weary over huge loss of life
Czar Nicholas and family are killed by the revolutionaries
Communist leader Lenin takes over

5. Russian Revolution Russia and Germany declare a truce March 1918
Germany sends all of its troops to the Western Front
Germans advance
to the Marne River

6. Lusitania
1917 German policy of unrestricted submarine warfare- sink any ship in waters around England without warning
May 7, 1915 Lusitania is sunk with 128 Americans onboard

7. Lusitania American public is outraged
Germany eventually agrees to stop attacking neutral ships, but later starts attacking again in 1917

8. Zimmerman Telegram
Germany sends Mexico a telegram encouraging them to declare war with America to regain lands lost earlier
The telegram is intercepted by the United States

9. Zimmerman Telegram
American opinion is turned against Germany and favorable to the British and allies

10. US Enters War
US economic ties and historical bond was much stronger with England and public opinion favored war with Germany
President Wilson wanted to avoid war at all costs but was “forced” to declare war

11. US Enters War Balance of the war tipped in favor of the Allies
Infusion of fresh troops and supplies to the battle lines favored the Allies