1. The United States Sinks into World War I
Chapter 18: Section 2

2. America Stays Neutral
U.S. Foreign policy believed in Isolationism—staying out of the affairs of the European powers
Most Americans wanted no part of the war in Europe
Pres. Wilson gets re-elected on a “Dove” platform
What is a “Dove”?

3. Why Didn’t the U.S. join Germany?
German war atrocities in Belgium
British fleet blockaded Germany
American Businesses sold goods to Britain and France--$75 million/week to Britain
Historical/Cultural ties to Britain

4. Unterseeboot Warfare
Germans declare unrestricted submarine warfare around Britain
Sussex Pledge—Germany will not sink merchant ships without warning and without saving lives

5. Lusitania Plunges U.S. into war
Without warning, torpedoes sink the Lusitania
Dives under the waves in only 18 minutes
1,200 people die, including 128 Americans

6. The Zimmerman Note decoded
Zimmerman Note proposes Mexico joining Germany if U.S. declares war
Mexico would get territory lost in past wars back
Newspapers print telegram and raise pressure to declare war

7. America joins the fray
U-boats sink 3 more U.S. merchant ships and the U.S. declares war
United States prepares for war
Selective Service Act (men 21-30) registered to be drafted
Conscientious objector status mostly rejected, go to jail or go to the front
U.S. woefully unprepared for war, not enough guns, horses, or barracks

8. African-Americans in the War
Army was segregated
Few black regiments were trained because fear of black uprising in the south
Harlem “Hellfighters” regiment is one of most decorated in the war

9. Americans get to Europe
Troop transports were herded across ocean by Destroyers and Cruisers in the “Convoy System”
U.S. troops train for 12 months in France before joining the allies in the trenches
Americans resisted troops being used as replacements and stayed under U.S. command

10. Parlez vous Francais?
French speaking American women serve as switchboard operators “Hello Girls”
20,000 Nurses served overseas

11. The War to End All Wars is Over
German economy is crippled by:
Civilians lack food and supplies
Rioting and mass desertions
Labor strikes
Austria-Hungary is in revolution