WWI America: Lusitania, War Mobilization, and Civil Liberties

Lusitania

The Lusitania was a British passenger ship sunk by a German submarine (U-boat) on May 7, 1915, off the coast of Ireland. Nearly 1,200 people died, including 128 Americans.

Lusitania Significance

Increased American anger toward Germany. Intensified debate over whether the United States should enter WWI. Germany had issued warnings about traveling on Allied ships in war zones, but the sinking still caused outrage. Helped turn American public opinion against Germany.

William Jennings Bryan

William Jennings Bryan served as Secretary of State under President Woodrow Wilson from 1913 to 1915. He favored neutrality and opposed American involvement in WWI.

Bryan Significance

Believed the United States should remain neutral. Resigned in 1915 after disagreeing with Wilson's increasingly firm diplomatic response to Germany following the sinking of the Lusitania.

Zimmerman Telegram

A secret message sent by German Foreign Secretary Arthur Zimmermann to Mexico proposing a military alliance against the United States if America entered WWI.

Zimmerman Telegram Significance

Angered Americans when the telegram became public. Increased fear of a German threat to American national security. Helped turn public opinion in favor of entering WWI.

Jeannette Rankin

Jeannette Rankin was the first woman elected to the United States Congress. She represented Montana and voted against American entry into WWI in 1917.

Rankin Significance

Represented the growing political participation of women. Was one of 50 representatives who voted against declaring war on Germany.

Selective Service Act

A federal law requiring eligible American men to register for military service so the government could draft soldiers into the armed forces.

Selective Service Act Significance

Allowed the federal government to build a large military quickly. Expanded the American military to fight in WWI.

Doughboys

The nickname given to American soldiers who fought in World War I.

Doughboys Significance

Represented American military participation in WWI. American troops helped strengthen Allied forces on the Western Front.

Schenck v. United States

A Supreme Court case involving Charles Schenck, who distributed pamphlets encouraging men to resist the military draft during WWI.

Schenck Significance

Limited freedom of speech during wartime. Established the idea that speech creating a 'clear and present danger' could be restricted.

Espionage Act

Federal laws passed during WWI that restricted speech and activities considered harmful to the American war effort.

Sedition Act

Expanded restrictions by making it illegal to use disloyal, profane, or abusive language against the U.S. government, Constitution, or military.

Espionage and Sedition Acts Significance

Restricted freedom of speech and freedom of the press. Allowed the government to prosecute people who criticized the war or opposed military recruitment.

James Montgomery Flagg

An American illustrator and artist who created the famous World War I recruiting poster featuring Uncle Sam pointing at the viewer with the words 'I Want YOU for U.S. Army.'

Flagg Significance

Encouraged American men to enlist in the military. Used propaganda to generate public support for the war.

War Industries Board

A federal agency established in 1917 to coordinate and regulate American industrial production during WWI.

War Industries Board Significance

Coordinated the production and distribution of war supplies. Helped ensure the military received necessary weapons, ammunition, and equipment.

The Big Four

The four major Allied leaders who dominated the negotiations at the Paris Peace Conference following WWI.

Big Four Significance

Negotiated the peace settlement following WWI. Helped create the Treaty of Versailles (1919).