Download presentation
Presentation is loading. Please wait.
1
U.S. STRUGGLES TO STAY NUETRAL
WWI BEGINS… U.S. STRUGGLES TO STAY NUETRAL
2
Hope to remain neutral? Divided Loyalty – The war is a capitalist ($$) struggle BUT we feel very close to Britain Pacifists – War is evil and the U.S. should set an example of peace War Was Far Away - It did not threaten U.S. territory, property or lives
3
Where was the U.S. Sympathy
Allied Powers – Common language** Ancestry** Literature Legal system and democratic tradition Economic trading partners** France’s help in Revolution
4
Great Britain’s naval Blockade
Why – Prevent weapons and other military supplies from getting through (including food) Result – American ships refused to challenge blockade Germany found it difficult to import foodstuffs 750,000 people starved by 1917
5
Germany’s Response Unleashed policy of unrestrictive warfare
Use of German U-Boats Outrage to the U.S. : May 7th, 1915 – Lusitania sunk (128 Am.)*** July 1915 – Arabic sunk (British Ship) March 1916 – Sussex sunk (French Ship)
6
Reasons U.S needs to enter the war…
Loan Repayment – U.S. had loaned the Allies $ and needed to know they could pay back their debts (can’t do this if they lose). German U-Boat Attacks – The British blockade of German ports forces Germany to take a much more aggressive naval strategy of unrestricted submarine warfare. Secure Peace and Spread Democracy – Wilson’s New Freedom encourages the U.S. to make the world “safe for democracy” Zimmerman Note – Germany proposed an alliance with Mexico and promised to return all lands seized by the U.S.
7
WAR Woodrow Wilson encourages Congress to declare war on Germany, by describing it as the “War to End All Wars”
8
Congress declares war!!!! April 6th, 1917
Similar presentations
© 2024 SlidePlayer.com. Inc.
All rights reserved.