Americans in the Great War & The New Era

Central Powers

An alliance during World War I that originally consisted of Germany and Austria-Hungary. Other nations, including Bulgaria and the Ottoman Empire, joined later.

Allied Powers

An alliance during World War I that included France, the United Kingdom, Russia, and later the United States, among others, fighting against the Central Powers.

Problems with Great Britain, 1914–1915

Contraband Search, Paper blockade, North Sea mining

German Unrestricted Submarine Warfare

 Germany sank ships without warning, even civilian ones, using submarines.

Lusitania Sinking

A British ship sunk by a German submarine in 1915, killing 128 Americans. This angered the U.S.

Election of 1916:

Candidates: Woodrow Wilson (Democrat) vs. Charles Evans Hughes (Republican)

Issues

keeping the us out of war; economy

Result

Wilson won “he kept us out of war”

Wilson’s 14 Points Address to Congress

A speech in 1918 where Wilson listed goals for peace, including free trade, democracy, and creating a League of Nations.

Resumption of German Unrestricted Submarine Warfare

Germany restarted sinking ships without warning in early 1917, pushing the U.S. closer to war.

Zimmerman Telegram

A secret message from Germany to Mexico asking them to attack the U.S. if war started. Britain gave it to the U.S., making Americans angry.

War Message and Declaration

In April 1917, Wilson asked Congress to declare war on Germany. Congress agreed.

War Industries Board

Government group that organized factories and materials for the war effort.

Food Administration

Led by Herbert Hoover; encouraged Americans to grow food and conserve it for soldiers.

Committee on Public Information

Government group that spread pro-war propaganda to boost support for the war.

Selective Service Act

A law that started a draft to build the U.S. army during the war.