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The Role of Propaganda in America's Entry into WWI

This overview explores propaganda techniques used during World War I that influenced America's shift from neutrality to involvement. Key strategies include emotional appeals, demonization of the enemy, and mobilization of public sentiment. Governments aim to rally support for war efforts and suppress dissent. A notable propaganda poster from the USA highlighted the attack on the Lusitania, using fear tactics to depict Germany as a threat. This poster served to unify public opinion, justifying the U.S. decision to enter the conflict after President Wilson's declaration of war on April 6, 1917.

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The Role of Propaganda in America's Entry into WWI

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  1. Review • 1) List at least 3 techniques used in propaganda • 2) List at least 2 goals a government might want to accomplish with a propaganda poster • 3) Describe one propaganda poster that was discussed yesterday. List the: • country of origin • the technique used • the goal of the poster

  2. Causes of America’s entrance into WWI

  3. Neutrality • In the beginning the United States wanted to remain neutral. • Wilson issues declaration of neutrality in 1914.

  4. Neutrality • Why did Wilson not want the U.S. to be involved in the war?

  5. What pulled America into the War • Unrestricted submarine warfare • The sinking of the Lusitania • Sussex Pledge is broken • The Zimmerman Telegram

  6. Unrestricted Submarine (u-boat) warfare • Germany would begin sinking ships without warning • In the Atlantic, around Britain

  7. Captured German U-boat in a British dry dock

  8. The Sinking of the Lusitania • British passenger liner that set sail from New York carrying American citizens. • It was sunk without warning on May 7, 1915 off the coast of Ireland

  9. The Sinking of the Lusitania • Over 1,100 died; 120+ were US citizens • Germans claimed the Lusitania was carrying contraband (war materials: guns, ammunition…) • They were right!

  10. The Sinking of the Lusitania

  11. United States Navy War Propaganda Poster

  12. RESULT of the Sinking of the Lusitania • Germany, despite promises, sunk another ship – The Sussex, killing 2 Americans • President Wilson protested and Germany issued the Sussex Pledge • passenger ships won’t be targeted • Merchant ships wont be either, unless presence of weapons is established

  13. Sussex Pledge • The Sussex Pledge broken: February 1, 1917 Germany continued unrestricted submarine warfare

  14. Zimmermann Telegram • March 1917 The Zimmermann telegram released • If the U.S. entered War against Central Powers, Mexico should attack the U.S. and receive as a reward: Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. • How do you think Americans felt about this?

  15. Zimmermann Telegram • Why would Germany want the U.S. to remain neutral?

  16. Zimmermann Telegram

  17. Zimmermann Telegram

  18. America Declares War • April 2, 1917 • President Wilson asked Congress for a declaration of war • April 6, 1917 Congress declares war!!

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