Download Should America enter World War I

Should America Enter the Great War?
Advice for President Wilson
I can describe and evaluate the events and issues leading to America involvement in Word War I.
As war raged in Europe in 1914, most Americans saw no reason to join the struggle
3,000 miles away. The U.S. was an ocean away, not directly in danger, and there was little
concern over the eventual outcome of the war. Involvement in the war would very
expensive as well. Some Americans (mostly those with European backgrounds) supported
specific countries in the war, while pacifists opposed the war altogether. In August of 1914,
President Woodrow Wilson declared American neutrality in the war in Europe, saying “The
United States must be neutral in fact, as well as in name”, and “[e]very man who really
loves America will act and speak in the true spirit of neutrality, which is the spirit of
impartiality and fairness and friendliness to all concerned.” However, events of the next
three years led the United States into the conflict in Europe. What happened, and should
the U.S. have entered the war?
In this online activity, you are a special advisor to President Wilson. You will
“receive” 5 memos that you will need to analyze and summarize in a few sentences. For
four of them, you will give President Wilson your advice on the topic, selecting from various
choices. After providing your rationale for each event, you will find out the actual result.
MEMO #1 – AMERICAN SYMPATHY FOR THE ALLIES
Summary of contents of memo –
Your advice to President Wilson and rationale
MEMO #2
Actual result
– BRITISH BLOCKADE AND GERMAN U-BOAT RESPONSE
Summary of contents of memo –
Your advice to President Wilson and rationale
Actual result
MEMO #3 – THE LUSITANIA
Summary of contents of memo –
Your advice to President Wilson and rationale
Actual result
MEMO #4 – THE SUSSEX PLEDGE
Summary of contents of memo –
CONGRATULATIONS!
MEMO #5 – U BOATS & THE ZIMMERMANN TELEGRAM
Summary of contents of memo –
Your advice to President Wilson and rationale
Actual result
Should America Enter the Great War?
Your Opinion
So what do you think? Based on the events that led to actual American involvement in the war in Europe
and your philosophy about getting involved with other countries, write a 5-8 sentence editorial explaining your
perspective on American entry into the Great War.
Do you have any questions about American involvement in World
War I?