1. Chapter 12 Section 2 US Enters the War

2. Neutrality WordExplainExampleReview Neutrality (n) Neutral (n) Yes-No-Why The act of remaining uninvolved. I decided to remain neutral in the argument so I didn’t make anybody mad. The USA was neutral even though it shipped cotton to the Allied Powers in WWI.

3. US Neutrality Wilson encouraged neutrality & sought to resolve the conflict in Europe w/o success Mixed feelings about who US should support

4. US Neutrality Central Powers 30% were immigrants from Austria-Hungary, Germany & therefore sympathized with the Central powers Allied Powers Many Am felt bonded to GB b/c of common lang & culture Britain used propaganda to make the German’s appear to be brutal killers

5. German War Zone Germany declared a war zone around Britain U-boats could attack any boat in this region, including boats from neutral countries Wilson issued a warning saying Germany would be held responsible for injuries made to Am or Am property

6. German War Zone May 1915- Germans sink British passenger ship “Lusitania” 128 Am killed Am outraged, but warnings in newspaper Was transporting guns to Britain Most Am wanted to stay out of war

8. German War Zone After 2 more ships are attacked & Ams killed/wounded, Wilson threatens to end diplomatic relations w/ Germany Germany responds with the Sussex Pledge- promise not to sink ships w/o warning or ensuring passenger safety

9. US Road to War Increased sale of weapons to Allies Instituted National Defense Act to increase the number of soldiers in the army & military spending Wilson breaks diplomatic ties w/ Germany when they resume full use of U-boats

10. US Road to War Arm US merchant ships (5 Am ships attacked) Zimmerman Note- intercepted cable sent to Mexico called for Mexican/German alliance Germany would in turn help Mexico regain NM, TX, and AZ

11. Mobilizing US Military Power Selective Service Act- required men between 21 & 30 (then 18 & 45) to register for the draft Over ½ of the Am soldiers were drafted

12. Mobilizing US Military Power Thought the draft would bring together soldiers of different backgrounds…in reality Segregation & discrimination Were limited to kitchen detail (Af Am) Constructed massive training camps Were taught hand-to-hand combat

13. Am Expeditionary Force Commanded by John J. Pershing Reg army, national guard, draftees, volunteers Set up telephones, railroads, hospitals, etc. Did not fight until 1918 Used a convoy system to get troops, supplies across Atlantic- US warships would accompany merchant vessels