Background on America's Initial Neutrality

The war was complex with many preceding events, including longstanding tensions between European powers and nationalist movements within various empires.

Despite alliances with Britain and France, most Americans preferred neutrality, influenced by isolationist sentiment and the desire to avoid entanglement in European conflicts.

The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand on June 28, 1914, was a pivotal moment that escalated tensions, setting off a chain reaction among European powers.

Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand

Heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, killed by a Serbian nationalist, Gavrilo Princip, as part of a broader nationalist movement.

Resulted in Austria-Hungary declaring war on Serbia on July 28, 1914, ultimately leading to the mobilization of other nations.

This action triggered Russia to mobilize in defense of Serbia, prompting Germany to declare war on Russia (August 1) and later on France (August 3).

By August 4, 1914, major European alliances, namely the Allies (including Britain, France, and Russia) and the Central Powers (including Germany and Austria-Hungary), were fully committed to war.

America's Neutral Stance

Viewed the conflict primarily as a European issue and maintained neutrality, believing that direct involvement would not serve American interests.

However, the U.S. provided extensive support through supplies and financial aid to Allies, emphasizing the growing industrial capacity of the U.S. economy, which was increasingly tied to the stability of Europe.

Key Events Leading to U.S. Involvement

Germany's Unrestricted Submarine Warfare (1915):

• Submarines would sink any ship, including civilian vessels, without warning, significantly escalating tensions.

• The sinking of the Lusitania in May 1915 (1,195 deaths, including 128 Americans) shifted public opinion against Germany and raised questions about maritime safety.

• Strong anti-German sentiment arose, despite President Wilson's push for continued neutrality, highlighting the conflict between American trade interests and moral obligations.

Naval Appropriations Act of 1916:

• Marked the beginning of a significant expansion of the U.S. Navy, reflecting the preparedness movement gaining traction among military advocates.

• Prominent figures like Theodore Roosevelt began advocating for military readiness, believing that a stronger military was essential for national security and support for Allies.

Public Opinion in the U.S.

Divided views on neutrality versus intervention reflected broader tensions within American society, influenced by factors such as ethnicity, economic interests, and propaganda.

Interventionists organized pro-war rallies, leveraging media to promote the cause, while isolationists warned against entering the conflict.

The 1916 presidential election reflected this division; Wilson ran on maintaining neutrality while his rival Hughes called for preparation for war, showcasing the electorate's conflicting sentiments.

Escalating Conflict (1917)

Germany resumed unrestricted submarine warfare in January 1917, sinking several American ships, which further inflamed public opinion and political pressure for intervention.

Zimmerman Telegram (January 1917):

• Intercepted message proposing a German-Mexican alliance against the U.S., inciting public outrage and calls for intervention. This telegram suggested that if the U.S. joined the war against Germany, Mexico would recover lost territories like Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona.

America Declares War (April 1917)

Congress declared war on Germany on April 6, 1917, following widespread public outcry and rallying cries for justice from various factions.

Mobilization of American forces commenced, alongside massive production of war supplies, marking a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy.

American troops began arriving in France by June 1917, significantly impacting the war effort in 1918, helping to turn the tide in favor of the Allies by providing fresh troops and resources.