World War I

From Neutrality to Preparedness

The United States remained neutral during the first part of the war.

May of 1915, a German submarine sunk the British passenger ship, the Lusitania, among the passengers were 124 Americans.

Instead of warning Americans not to travel, Wilson instituted a policy of “preparedness.”

The policy included a Selective Service Act of 1917 which was a way to increase the Army and Navy

Road to War

Germany announced that they would cease submarine warfare against noncombatants.

This was viewed as a victory for Wilson and helped get him re-elected for another term as president.

At the same time, Germany resumed attacking ships sailing to or from Britain. Several American vessels were sunk.

The Zimmerman Telegram

In March of 1917, German foreign secretary, Arthur Zimmerman, called upon Mexico to join them in war against the US.

He promised Germany would help Mexico gain back land lost in the Mexican War 1846-1848.

April 2, Wilson asked Congress for a Declaration of War against Germany.

“The world must be made safe for democracy.”

Fourteen Points

Nov. 1917 – A Communist Revolution led by Vladimir Lenin overthrew the Russian government. Lenin withdrew Russia from the war.

Lenin published the secret treaties that the Allies had written agreeing to divide up conquered territories after the war.

Wilson was embarrassed, he had promised a “just peace.”

Jan. 1918 – Wilson issued the Fourteen Points, a statement of war aims and his vision for international order.