1. February 27, 2017
U.S. History Agenda:
DO NOW: Europe During World War I: 1914 – 1918
NOTES #40: Why did the U.S. become involved in World War I?
CLASS ASSIGNMENT: “Wartime Constitutional Issues”
NOTES-CHECK #s 36 – 40 TODAY

2. Why did the U.S. become involved in World War I? Notes #40

3. World War I (WWI) was a military conflict from 1914 to 1918 that involved some of the world’s most powerful nations.

4. The main causes of WWI were militarism, alliances, imperialism, and nationalism in Europe.

6. The immediate cause of WWI was the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in 1914.
Ferdinand of Austria
Serbian nationalist
Gavrilo Princip

8. After this assassination, two sides were formed in Europe (the Allies and the Central Powers) and WWI began.

9. President Woodrow Wilson (1913 – 1921)
At the beginning of WWI, President Woodrow Wilson declared American neutrality.
President Woodrow Wilson (1913 – 1921)

10. German submarine (U-boat)
Despite American neutrality, German submarines (U-boats) attacked and sank U.S. merchant ships during WWI.
German submarine (U-boat)

11. As a result, a major reason the U. S
As a result, a major reason the U.S. entered WWI was to maintain freedom of the seas for U.S. ships.

12. Wilson persuaded Congress to enter WWI in 1917 by arguing that U. S
Wilson persuaded Congress to enter WWI in 1917 by arguing that U.S. involvement would make the world “safe for democracy”.
President Wilson
asks Congress
to declare war
on Germany
(April 2, 1917) 
War declared on
Germany by
Congress
(April 4, 1917)