Download American Enters the War

America Enters the War
United States Entry into World War I: Two Diametrically Opposed
American foreign policy continues to resonate with the issues involved in
the entry of the United States into World War - the responsibilities of
power, the influence of the military-industrial complex on foreign policy, the
use of force to accomplish idealistic goals ( like peace). Understanding the
choices the Wilson administration made and their consequences provides
insight into international affairs in the years since the end of the Great War
and beyond.
What important events led to U.S. involvement in
World War I?
What is the most compelling evidence explaining
why the U.S. entered World War I?
Read and coach the following articles
President Woodrow Wilson's War Message
April 2, 1917
Opposition to Wilson's War Message by George W. Norris
April 4, 1917
Assignment:
When you have read and coached the articles, compile a list of reasons
each gives for America’s entry into World War One.
NOTES
America Enters the War
America finally declared war on Germany on
April 6, 1917.
Why?....lets take a trip back in time……
1. 1915- On May 1st the Lusitanian was
attacked by a German sub. Within 18
minutes of being struck by the sub the
great ship sank, killing 114-128
Americans and 1119 others, mostly
English.
The Lusitanian leaves New York
May 1, 1915
The ship was suppose to carry only passengers to England, but
much of the cargo rooms below deck were filled with munitions
headed for the Western Front.
2. The Zimmerman Telegram
On 16 January 1917, the German Foreign Minister, Arthur Zimmerman sent the following telegram to Count
von Bernstorff, the German ambassador in the United States.
READ ONLY
READ ONLY
READ ONLY
Most Secret
For Your Excellency's personal information and to be handed on to the Imperial
Minister in Mexico
We intend to begin unrestricted submarine warfare on the first of February. We shall
endeavor in spite of this to keep the United States neutral. In the event of this not
succeeding, we make Mexico a proposal of an alliance on the following basis: Make
war together, make peace together, generous financial support, and an
understanding on our part that Mexico is to reconquer the lost territory in Texas, New
Mexico, and Arizona. The settlement detail is left to you.
You will inform the President [of Mexico] of the above most secretly as soon as the
outbreak of war with the United States is certain and add the suggestion that he
should, on his own initiative, invite Japan to immediate adherence and at the same
time mediate between Japan and ourselves.
Please call the President's attention to the fact that the unrestricted employment of
our submarines now offers the prospect of compelling England to make peace within
a few months. Acknowledge receipt.
Zimmerman
The Zimmerman
Telegram
Zimmerman
WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THIS TELEGRAM??
In January of 1917, British cryptographers deciphered a telegram from
German Foreign Minister Arthur Zimmermann to the German Minister of
Mexico.
To protect their intelligence from detection and to
capitalize on growing anti-German sentiment in the United
States, the British waited to present the telegram to
President Wilson. Meanwhile, frustration over the effective
British naval blockade caused Germany to break its
pledge to limit submarine warfare. In response, the United
States severed diplomatic relations with Germany in
February of 1917.