United States Reluctantly Joins WWI

Wilson Vows to Keep US Out of War

President Woodrow Wilson is elected in 1912 and runs for reelection in 1916 with the campaign slogan, “He kept us out of the war.”

US has 92 million people, many immigrants from both sides of war

Most people in US support Allies but prefer to stay out of war

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Submarine Warfare

Germany warns that it will sink any vessels entering or leaving an Allied port in February, 1915

This violates US rights as neutrals Lusitania - This British merchant ship was

sunk in May, 1915. 1000 killed, including 128 Americans

Wilson and many US citizens are furious Germany pledges not to do this again

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Sinking of the Sussex

Germany sinks the French ship, Sussex, in February, 1916

25 Americans are hurt Wilson gives a speech to Congress about

how angry he is about Germany’s violation of US neutrality

Sussex Pledge - Germany apologizes and promises to warn neutral ships and passenger vessels before sinking them

Zimmerman Telegram (Note)

Germany Foreign Minister Arthur Zimmerman sends a message to Mexico asking them to declare war on US, hoping to keep us distracted from Europe

US intercepts the message and it is printed in papers

US citizens irate - GRRRRR!

US Enters the War

Sinking of Lusitania, Sussex, and the Zimmerman Note lead US to feel Allies need help

US declares war on Germany on April 6, 1917

Wilson places Gen. John Pershing in charge of US troops

Selective Service Act - 21 to 30 year old men must register for draft (3 million men drafted, 2 million volunteer for war)

Americans Prepare for World War I

Keys To Success

Six Major Issues as US Prepares to Enter War

People not in support of war effort Labor shortage Lack of funds for war effort Lack of food for Allied soldiers Lack of supplies for the militaries Desperate need of fuel for vehicles and

heat

People Not in Support of War

Committee on Public Education - put in charge of creating support for war

Propaganda - Used posters, articles, books, artwork, and speakers to get word out

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Labor Shortage

Great Migration (1914 - 1920) - 300,000 to 500,000 Blacks move from rural south to northern cities to find jobs

Women in Labor Force - Millions of women go to work to produce war supplies

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Lack of $Funds$ for War

War Bonds - US citizens by bonds; like temporary loans to the government

Money from bonds used to buy war goods

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Lack of Food

Rationing - Citizens asked to voluntarily cut down on food consumption

“Meatless Mondays” and “Wheatless Wednesdays”

Citizens asked to grow “Victory Gardens” to cut down on need for food

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Lack of Supplies

War Industries Board - Government office in charge of war production

Ordered companies to stop making whatever they normally do and make war goods instead

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Desperate Need for Fuel

Fuel Administration - asked people to cut back on fuel usage - “Heatless Mondays”

Created “Daylight Savings Time” to cut back on electricity needs