World War I

1. World War I

2. 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

3. 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.

4. 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.”

5. 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.”

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