America Road to War

America's Road to War

• America initially followed a policy of neutrality during WWI

• Large immigrant population influenced support for different sides

• Allied propaganda depicted German atrocities

• Early American involvement through trade with the Allies

Support for the Allies

• America initially followed a policy of neutrality during WWI, but eventually shifted to support the Allies.

• This decision was influenced by factors such as

  • German submarine attacks on American ships and

  • The Zimmerman Telegram.

Unrestricted Submarine Warfare

Britain's blockade across the North Sea and the English Channel cut the flow of war supplies, food, and fuel to Germany during World War I. Germany retaliated by using its submarines to destroy neutral ships that were supplying the Allies. The formidable U-boats (unterseeboots) prowled the Atlantic armed with torpedoes. They were Germany’s only weapon of advantage as Britain effectively blocked German ports to supplies. The goal was to starve Britain before the British blockade defeated Germany.

The Lusitania

On May 7, 1915, German submarine U-20 torpedoed the Lusitania, a Cunard passenger liner, off the coast of Ireland. Nearly 1,200 men, women, and children, including 128 Americans, lost their lives. The Allies and Americans considered the sinking an act of indiscriminate warfare. The Germans asserted the Lusitania was carrying war matériel and was therefore a legitimate target.

The Zimmerman Telegram

The telegram revealed a plan to renew unrestricted submarine warfare and to form an alliance with Mexico and Japan if the United States declared war on Germany. The message was intercepted by the British and passed on to the United States; its publication caused outrage and contributed to the U.S. entry into World War I.

The Mexican Cession

From Neutrality to Engagement: Year 1917. Germany's plan to engage Mexico in an alliance against the United States. Proposal included reconquering lost territories in Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. Telegram intercepted by the United States, leading to increased tensions and eventual entry into World War I.

Wilson "Make the World Safe for Democracy"

Wilson Declares War

On April 2, President Wilson asked Congress to declare war against Germany specifically citing Germany's renewed submarine policy as “a war against mankind. It is a war against all nations.” He also spoke about German spying inside the U.S. and the treachery of the Zimmermann Telegram.