1. The United States Enters WWI

2. Reasons for American Involvement
The United States tried to remain neutral during the Great War, but as it went on, it became more difficult
America entered the war due to three main reasons
1. The sinking of the Lusitania
2. The Zimmerman Note
3. Cultural ties to Europe

3. The sinking of the Lusitania
One main reason for U.S. involvement was due to the naval war between Germany and Great Britain
Britain set up a naval blockade against Germany
- This kept materials and other goods from reaching Germany by sea
In return Germany set up its own blockade against Britain
- They enforced their blockade with unrestricted submarine warfare
- Included the sinking of passenger liners

4. The sinking of the Lusitania
On May 7, 1915 German forces sunk a British ship called the Lusitania
- Casualties reached 1,100 civilians
- Over 100 Americans were aboard the ship
Outraged by the loss of American lives, the U.S. protested against German submarine warfare
To avoid antagonizing the United States the Germans suspended unrestricted submarine warfare in September of 1915

7. Resuming unrestricted Submarine Warfare
By 1916 the Germans and Great Britain had only engaged in one direct naval battle
- Battle of Jutland, May 31, 1916
- Neither side won
January of 1917 the Germans were eager to break the deadlock
- Emperor William II was convinced by his naval officers to resume the use of unrestricted submarine warfare
- Through this tactic they believed they could starve the British within six months

8. Unrestricted Submarine Warfare
The emperor did express concern about the US
- He was told not to worry, that the British would starve before America could act.
The German tactics failed
Great Britain did not surrender
Return to unrestricted submarine warfare helped bring the United States into the war during April of 1917

9. The Zimmerman Note

10. The Zimmerman Note
Another reason for US involvement during WWI was the Zimmerman Note
In February of 1917 the British intercepted a telegram from German foreign secretary, Arthur Zimmermann to he German ambassador to Mexico
This telegram proposed an alliance between Germany and Mexico incase of a war between the United States and Germany
It stated if Mexico joined in on the side of the Central Powers then their lost territories of Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas would be returned to them

11. The Zimmerman Note
President Woodrow Wilson proposed that the US should start arming its ships against possible German attack and to make the telegram known to the public
The intercepted telegram was published on the front pages of American newspapers

12. Cultural Ties to Europe
Another reason for America entering into the war were its cultural ties to Britain and France
America, Britain, and France were culturally similar
America conducted the most trade with these two nations, and it significantly increased during the years of the war
If France and Britain lost then American trade would suffer
President Wilson actively campaigned for American support of the Allied forces