America enters WWI 1914 1917 For the first

America enters WWI

1914 -1917 • For the first 3+ years of World War One, The United States had officially remained neutral. • Neutral = not helping or supporting either side; impartial. • Most Americans did not want the United States to enter WWI. • They felt it was a European problem/ not our fight. • Many Americans had sympathies for both sides, making it difficult to support one over the other. • America has a long history with Britain and France • There were millions of German immigrants living in the U. S. • America was able to stay out of the fighting, but still trade with all sides. • America can make a lot of money as long as they stay neutral

America is brought into WWI • Two events will convince/force the United States to pick sides and enter World War One. • German Submarine Warfare • The Zimmerman Telegram

German Submarine Warfare • Throughout WWI Germany used submarines (U-Boats) to sink ships bringing supplies to England. • Ships were sunk that carried American passengers and American goods • The Lusitania (1915) – 128 Americans died • America warns Germany not to sink civilian ships • Germany refuses to stop submarine warfare, and says they will sink ANY ship headed toward England • Americans were outraged

The “Zimmerman Telegram” • In 1917 the British intercepted a telegram sent from Germany to Mexico. • Germany was getting worried that the U. S. might enter WWI and support England/France • Germany offered Mexico an alliance if they would agree to wage war on the United States. • Germany promised money, and the return of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona to Mexico if they helped Germany win WWI. • Americans were outraged

The United States enters WWI • April 2 nd, 1917 - The United States declares war on the Central Powers. • Rest of 1917 - Americans prepare for War. • Millions of American Troops are recruited and trained. • The entire manufacturing power of the United States is put towards War. (Weapons, Ammo, Planes, Ships, etc. ) • The U. S. Government and the Entertainment industry spend time convincing the public that they HAVE to save Europe • “Making the world safe for democracy”

Spring 1918 • March 1918 - American troops arrive in France • Called the “American Expeditionary Force” (A. E. F) • Commanded by General John “Blackjack” Pershing • Pershing insists that U. S. troops fight as a separate Army • Americans join the fight • Americans would participate in heavy fighting in France and Western Germany throughout 1918. • ~315, 000 casualties in ~ 8 months of fighting