American Neutrality in World War I 1914-1917

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American Neutrality in World War I1914-1917
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Neutrality

• All Americans ought to be _____________, as well
  as in name impartial in thought as well as in
  action Woodrow Wilson

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Easier Said than Done!

• Most Americans backed Allies common
  ___________________ _________. French were allies
  during American Revolution.
• British propaganda painted Germans as
  _____________________.
• Many _______________ were from Germany,
  Austria-Hungary.
• U.S Merchants and Banks do major business will
  Allies.

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Challenges to Neutrality

• ________________________.
• Germany treats sea around G.B. as war zone.
• Wilson Germany accountable for any Americans
  killed.

German U-Boat sinks British ocean liner
_______________ May 7, 1915. 128 Americans Die.
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Challenges to Neutrality

• Germans sink French passenger liner Sussex.
  Americans outraged.
• Sussex Pledge Germany promises not to sink
  merchant vessels ______ __________________________
  ___.
• Wilson reelected ______________.
• National Defense Act Creates National Guard,
  increases army, navy, military spending (________
• ____________________________)

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_____________________

• Berlin, January 19, 1917
• On the first of February we intend to begin
  submarine warfare unrestricted. In spite of this,
  it is our intention to endeavor to keep neutral
  the United States of America.
• If this attempt is not successful, we propose an
  alliance on the following basis with Mexico That
  we shall make war together and together make
  peace. We shall give general financial support,
  and it is understood that Mexico is to re-conquer
  the lost territory in New Mexico, Texas, and
  Arizona. The details are left to you for
  settlement....
• You are instructed to inform the President of
  Mexico of the above in the greatest confidence as
  soon as it is certain that there will be an
  outbreak of war with the United States and
  suggest that the President of Mexico, on his own
  initiative, should communicate with Japan
  suggesting adherence at once to this plan at the
  same time, offer to mediate between Germany and
  Japan.
• Please call to the attention of the President of
  Mexico that the employment of ruthless submarine
  warfare now promises to compel England to make
  peace in a few months.
• Zimmerman(Secretary of State)

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U.S. Declares War

• Americans outraged.
• Wilson asks Congress to declare war.
• We shall fight for the things which we have
  always carried nearest our hearts, for democracy
  and to bring peace and safety to all nations
  and ____________________
• ______________________.
• Congress declares war April 6, 1917.

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Trench Warfare

• Germany and France dug trenches on _________
• __________. Millions died in no-mans-land
  between trenches.

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Poison Gas

• Poison Gas
• Chlorine or mustard gas melted soldiers lungs.

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Machine Guns

• Machine Guns
• Fired 600 rounds per minute.

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Tanks

• Tanks
• Very hard to maneuver in muddy conditions.

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Airplanes

• Airplanes
• Gather information, shoot enemy planes
• Dogfights