World War 1 - America

When did America join the war?

• 1917, specifically on April 6th

What side did America join?

• America worked alongside the Triple Entente (Russia, Britain, France)

What was the Zimmerman Telegram?

• A telegram sent by Germany to Mexico proposing a military alliance against the United States.

When exactly was the Zimmerman Telegram?

• 1917, specifically on January 16th.

Why did Germany send the Zimmerman Telegram?

• America joining the war was inevitable, Germany hoped to delay this with a war on home turf.

What factors of the Zimmerman Telegram further accelerated Americas wishes to join the war?

• Public distaste with Germany

• Further portrayal of an aggressive Germany

• Seen as the common enemy

What was unrestricted submarine warfare?

• Submarines would sink enemy and neutral ships without warning, regardless of whether they were military or civilian.

What factors of unrestricted submarine warfare affected Americas wishes to join the war?

• Hindered American trade and shipping

• Increased tensions with Germany.

When was the first phase of unrestricted submarine warfare?

• 1915, specifically in the first trimester.

What was the sinking of the Lusitania?

• A British ocean liner was sunk by a German Submarine in, resulting in American casualties and heightening anti-German sentiment in the U.S.

When was the Lusitania sunk?

• 1915, specifically may 7th.

How many Americans died as a result of the sinking of the Lusitania?

• 128 Americans died.

When was the second phase of unrestricted submarine warfare?

• 1917, which significantly affected American neutrality.

What aspect of the second phase of unrestricted submarine warfare resulted in further American discontent?

• Certain American ships were sunk

• Germany breached prior pledges to not target non-military vessels

What was a factor of Germany’s history that motivated America to join the war?

• Germany was born from Prussia and had a history of militarism, including aggressive expansionism and seeking dominance in Europe.

• America was worried that if Germany won now, they would have to deal with them again later.

What were some financial factors that motivated America to break neutrality and join the war? (trade)

• American exports to allied countries skyrocketed, whereas trade with Germany collapsed due to the British naval blockade.

• America was economically intertwined with Allied success.

• TLDR: Allies had bread

What were some financial factors that motivated America to break neutrality and join the war? (loans)

• American banks had lent over $2 billion to Britain and France, but only about $27 million to Germany (due to the British naval blockade).

• Had the Allies lost, they would likely be unable to repay these reparations, again showcasing how America was economically intertwined with Allied success.

• TLDR: Loans to Allies needed to be repaid

What were the social and political factors that motivated America to break its neutrality and join the war?

• The American public felt outraged at German actions (sinking of Lusitania, Zimmerman telegrams)

• Political pressure was on Woodrow Wilson, as Congress and parts of the public increasingly demanded action after repeated provocations.

• TLDR: Public was unhappy with Germany

What was Charles Seymour’s thesis on Americas joining of World War I?

• Seymour believed the United States entered WWI primarily due to moral outrage and ideological commitment to defending democracy and international law.

• TLDR: Social and Moral factors

What was Charles Tansill’s thesis on Americas joining of World War I?

• Tansill believed the U.S. entered WWI largely due to economic interests, including loans to the Allies, trade dependencies, and Wall Street pressure.

• TLDR: Economic Factors