America Enters World War I Objective By the
America Enters World War I
Objective • By the end of the lesson, SWBAT explain how the sinking of the Lusitania led to the U. S. entering World War I.
REVIEW • World War I was started because countries had a lot of nationalism, militarism, and imperialism. • The World War I happened in Europe and Africa and was between the Allied Powers (Britain, France, Russia) vs. the Central Powers (Germany, Italy, Austria Hungary, and the Ottoman Empire). • World War I was really deadly because of trench warfare and the new weapons.
America and the War • When World War I broke out in June of 1914, America did not enter the war, they were NEUTRAL. • Neutral - To not take a side.
America and the War • On May 7, 1915 a German U-Boat sunk a British passenger ship called the Lusitania. • There were 1, 957 people on board, over 1, 000 people died, including over 150 Americans!
Lusitania
America and the War • If you lived during that time, what would you be feeling if you heard the Germans killed innocent Americans?
America and the War • Many people wanted America to go to war with Germany! • Germany stated that they would not torpedo any more passenger ships.
Congress Debating Whether to go to War
America and the War • However, that did not last, Germany started attacking U. S. ships. • In April 1917, America had no choice but to declare war on the Central Powers. • America entered the war on the side of the Allied Powers!
America and the War • If you lived during that time, would you have joined the war and fought against the Germans?
America and the War • How would America entering World War I affect the war?
Conclusion • America was neutral in World War I until 1917. • The Lusitania made a lot of people want America to enter the war on the side of the Allied Powers. • German ships started shooting at U. S. boats. • America entered World War I and helped the Allied Powers gain strength.
- Slides: 15