Overview
This lecture discusses the transition of the United States from a position of neutrality to involvement in World War I, focusing on the economic, political, and social factors that influenced this decision.
US Neutrality and Early Attitudes
- The US population included many recent immigrants with diverse opinions about the war.
- World War I was in a stalemate when President Wilson declared US neutrality.
- Wilson argued the war was not America’s concern, but the US had economic interests at stake.
Economic Ties and Trade
- In 1914, US exports to Allied Powers totaled about $824 million compared to much less with Central Powers.
- By later years, US trade and loans to Allies rose to $3.2 billion, while only $1.2 million went to Central Powers.
- Britain’s naval blockade restricted supplies to Germany, reducing US trade with the Central Powers.
German Submarine Warfare
- Germany used submarines (U-boats) to break the British blockade and attack ships.
- The Sussex Pledge was a German promise to stop U-boat attacks, but it was not honored.
- German U-boats declared any ship to Allied ports would be targeted.
The Sinking of the Lusitania
- On May 7, 1915, a German U-boat sank the British passenger ship Lusitania, killing 1,198, including 128 Americans.
- Despite public outrage, Wilson did not immediately seek war, still preferring neutrality.
The Zimmerman Telegram
- In January 1917, Germany sent a secret telegram to Mexico proposing an alliance against the US, promising the return of lost territories.
- The British intercepted and decoded the message, passing it to the US, increasing anti-German sentiment.
Debating War Entry
- Pro-war factors: outrage over submarine warfare, pro-Allied sentiment, economic interests, and the Zimmerman Telegram.
- Anti-war factors: tradition of neutrality, sympathy for Central Powers among some Americans, anti-English sentiment, opposition to alliance with the Russian Czar, and pacifism.
US Declaration of War
- Renewed German U-boat attacks in early 1917 broke the Sussex Pledge.
- President Wilson asked Congress to declare war; Congress did so on April 6, 1917, entering the US into World War I.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Neutrality — Policy of not supporting or assisting either side in a conflict.
- Stalemate — A situation where neither side can win or make progress.
- U-boat — German military submarine used in World War I.
- Sussex Pledge — Germany’s promise to stop unrestricted submarine warfare, later broken.
- Lusitania — British passenger ship sunk by a German U-boat in 1915.
- Zimmerman Telegram — Secret German proposal to Mexico to join the war against the US in exchange for lost territory.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the causes for US entry into WWI.
- Be prepared to discuss the pros and cons of US involvement in the war for next class.