US Involvement in WWI

US Initial Stance:

• Woodrow Wilson's administration initially opposed entering WWI, prioritizing stability and peacetime.
• Focus on persuading the public against war.

Context of WWI:

• War in Europe began in 1914, but the US did not consider entering until 1917.

Germany's Naval Strategy:

• Germany employed unrestricted submarine warfare, giving it a strategic advantage.
• One of the few nations with effective submarine technology, referred to as E-boats.
• Submarines could stealthily attack ships, leading to significant naval disruption.

Rules of War:

• Prior to the war, international agreements set rules regarding naval engagements.
• Legally, submarines were expected to target only military and cargo ships, which Germany violated by attacking non-military vessels.