Causes of U.S. Entering World War I

Isolationism

• The Policy of disengaging or not being involved in the affairs of other nations.

• US engaged in Isolationism leading to World War and thus they were a neutral nation.

Unrestricted Submarine Warfare

• Policy engaged by Germany to sink any “neutral” ships.

• Wilson believed this action to violate the laws of neutrality – angering him and other Americans.

Lusitania

• Was sunk by German U Boats (Submarines) killing more than 1200 people. 128 Americans.

• Enraging American’s and bringing them into conflict with Germany.

• Passenger Ships continued to be attacked over the next year or so.

Zimmerman Note

• Note intercepted by the British.• Note from Germany to Mexico pledging

that if Mexico joins the war on the side of Germany, then Germany would help Mexico regain its territories the U.S. stole from them.

• Newspapers printed excerpts of the telegram – American began to call for war against Germany.

U.S. Declares

• In 1917 German U Boats sink 3 more American merchant vessels.

• Outrages with the violation of neutrality, Wilson asked congress to declare war April 12, 1917 and on April 6, 1917 the U.S. joined the war effort.– Note – Civil War in Russia and the possibility

of their defeat and Germany potential ability to focus all their strength on the Western Front also motivated the U.S. to enter the war.

Revolution in Russia

• Facing Famine and Civil War- Russia could not hold their own v. Germany and was severely weakened.

• Bolshevik (Communists – those who sought equal distribution of wealth and end of all private property) took over the country after winning the civil war and overthrowing the Monarchy.

• They withdrew Russia from the war in November 1917

Mobilizing For War

• To Raise an Army the Government Enacted the Selective Service Act 1917 – required men 21 to 30 to register to be drafted into the armed forces

• John J. Pershing led an American Expeditionary Force and instituted a Convoy System where troop transport ships were surrounded by destroyers and cruisers for protection from U-Boats. This system successfully brought troops to Europe.

• Pershing also trained his new soldiers in France for months prior to making them go fight because he thought “Sending inexperienced soldiers into battle was the same as sending them to die”

• Women in large numbers entered the labor force making and supplying valuable war materials.

Financing the War

• Liberty Bonds- were sold to Amreican Citizens

• As result the U.S. government borrowed $24 million from the American People during the war.

All Aspects of Society was Regulated and Geared to Support

the War• Industry, Food and Fuel Consumption ,

Freedom of Speech and Ideas were all regulated during World War I.

• National War Labor Board • Committee of Public Information –

created Propaganda. 603)– biased, one sided information to get support for the war.

• Espionage Act – Punished people for aiding the enemy or refusing military duty.

• Sedition Act – prohibited citizens from printing or publishing “disloyal” criticism of the gov.

Spanish Flu (Influenza)

• Between 1918 – 1919 nearly 700,0000 Americans lost their lives as result.