Lecture Notes: USA's Entry into World War I

Background

Neutrality at the Start of 1917:
- The USA was neutral at the beginning of 1917 during World War I.
- Britain and France attempted to persuade America to join the war on their side.
- The USA was only willing to sell weapons and lend money to the Allies but not participate in fighting.
- President Woodrow Wilson and the American public preferred neutrality.

German U-Boat Policy:
- Germany claimed the right to sink ships bound for their enemies, including those with neutral American passengers.
- The Lusitania was sunk in 1915, killing 1,200 people, including 198 Americans, yet the USA maintained neutrality.
- Germany initially pulled back their U-boats to prevent American involvement.
Renewed German Aggression:
- By 1917, Germany resumed unrestricted submarine warfare to cut off British supply lines, hoping to force Britain into surrender before the US could intervene.
The Zimmermann Telegram:
- Intercepted by the Allies, it revealed Germany's proposal to Mexico to declare war on the USA in exchange for Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona.
- President Wilson saw no choice but to join the war effort.

Declaration of War:
- In April 1917, the USA joined the war on the side of the Allies.
- Wilson's message to the American people emphasized fighting for democracy and protecting the right of people to choose their government.
- Wilson expressed the somber responsibility of leading a peaceful nation into war for the preservation of democracy.

The 14 Points:
- Wilson envisioned the war as a means to end all wars and aimed for a democratic and peaceful world post-war.
- He crafted the "14 Points," which were guidelines intended to ensure a safer and more stable world order after the conflict.

These notes summarize the key points of the lecture on the USA’s entry into World War I and President Wilson's reasons and vision during the war.