1. WWI – America Gets In
History Notes 8-3

2. Why does the U.S. Enter the War?
Since 1914, U.S. neutral (impartial, favoring no side)
America sending weapons and money to Europe (Great Britain and France)

3. Why does the U.S. Enter the War?
Sinking of the Lusitania and other American ships by Germany
Video – Link

4. Why does the U.S. Enter the War?
Zimmerman Telegram: Germany asked Mexico to declare war on the U.S.
(April 2nd 1917) U.S. declares war on Central Powers

5. The Selective Service Act: Committee for Public Information:
The War Effort
The Selective Service Act:
24 million men must register for the draft
Committee for Public Information:
created Pro-U.S. propaganda
shaped public opinion

6. WWI Propaganda Posters

7. WWI Propaganda Posters

8. The War Effort
Harlem Hellfighters: Black soldiers from Harlem, NY, most decorated American soldiers of WWI
Forced to serve in French Army
Returned home to face racism and segregation
Video – Link

9. Americans make sacrifices for war
The War Effort
Americans make sacrifices for war
Rationed food and oil
Higher taxes for the rich

10. WWI Propaganda Posters

11. WWI Propaganda Posters

12. America Gets In
Espionage Act: banned spying, interfering with the draft
Sedition Act: not allowed to criticize U.S. Gov’t
WWI used to justify anti-immigrant feelings in U.S.

13. Great Migration: Blacks move North for wartime factory jobs
America Gets In
Great Migration: Blacks move North for wartime factory jobs
Mexican Diaspora: migration of Mexicans to the U.S.
Forced out by Mex. Revolution
Pulled by jobs and high wages

14. WWI Propaganda Posters