1. America the Neutral
For the first three years of World War I, the U.S. remained neutral.
Wilson won re-election in the presidential election of 1916, using the slogan “He kept us out of war.”
Remember in Iron Jawed Angels when the suffragists were debating the morality of picketing wartime president and the backlash?

2. The Lusitania

4. German U-Boat Attacks (Submarine Warfare)
Germany began unlimited submarine warfare in the Atlantic Ocean in 1915.
It was the sinking of American tradeships without warning that was the biggest reason why the United States entered World War I.

5. The Zimmerman Telegram/Note
The Zimmerman Note was an alleged telegram from Germany to Mexico. It promised Mexico land lost to the U.S. in exchange for going to war with the U.S. (see how expansionism is a problem??)
The Zimmerman Telegram is considered the “last straw” for most Americans in remaining neutral in the conflict,

7. U.S. Enters World War I
One day after subs sank seven U.S. ships and after the Zimmerman note was made public, Congress declared war on Germany on April 6, 1917.
"The world must be made safe for democracy.” –Woodrow Wilson

8. But wait… one must ask the question: “Why was Germany targeting U. S
But wait… one must ask the question: “Why was Germany targeting U.S. ships?”
What were they carrying?
Was the U.S. really neutral?
Did Germany really want to get one of the most resource laden and rapidly industrializing nations into a war?
Did Germany really want Mexico to start a war with the United states?
Stay Tuned…

9. But now some propaganda for your viewing pleasure…
For each picture, explain who specifically the propaganda is being targeted toward (specific people or groups of people) and what it is saying (in your words).

20. Getting Public Support for the War
Difficult given traditions of isolationism and
neutrality.
Wilson cast war in moral terms— “making
the world safe for democracy”
This played on people’s ideas of America as the
savior.

21. Propaganda in the War
- Government created Committee on Public
Information—headed by George Creel.
- Goal—to sell the war to America and
convince the world of the righteousness of
Wilson’s war aims.
- 4-minute men, posters, movies, songs
Anti-Germanism on the rise
“Liberty sausage” not frankfurter