1. America Enters World War I

2. Objective
By the end of the lesson, SWBAT explain how the sinking of the Lusitania led to the U.S. entering World War I.

3. REVIEW
World War I was started because countries had a lot of nationalism, militarism, and imperialism.
The World War I happened in Europe and Africa and was between the Allied Powers (Britain, France, Russia) vs. the Central Powers (Germany, Italy, Austria Hungary, and the Ottoman Empire).
World War I was really deadly because of trench warfare and the new weapons.

5. America and the War
When World War I broke out in June of 1914, America did not enter the war, they were NEUTRAL.
Neutral - To not take a side.

6. America and the War
On May 7, 1915 a German U-Boat sunk a British cruise ship called the Lusitania.
There were 1,957 people on board, over 1,000 people died, including over 150 Americans!

7. Lusitania

9. America and the War
If you lived during that time, what would you be feeling if you heard the Germans killed innocent Americans?

10. America and the War
Many people wanted America to go to war with Germany!
Germany stated that they would not torpedo any more passenger ships.

11. Congress Debating Whether to go to War

12. America and the War
However, that did not last, Germany started attacking U.S. ships.
In April 1917, America had no choice but to declare war on the Central Powers.
America entered the war on the side of the Allied Powers!

13. America and the War
If you lived during that time, would you have joined the war and fought against the Germans?

14. America and the War
How would America entering World War I affect the war?

15. Conclusion America was neutral in World War I until 1917.
The Lusitania made a lot of people want America to enter the war on the side of the Allied Powers.
German ships started shooting at U.S. boats.
America entered World War I and helped the Allied Powers gain strength.