Chapter 12 Section 2

US Enters the War

NeutralityWord Explain Example Review

Neutrality (n)

Neutral (n)

Yes-No-WhyThe act of remaining uninvolved.

I decided to remain neutral in the argument so I didn’t make anybody mad.

The USA was neutral even though it shipped cotton to the Allied Powers in WWI.

US Neutrality

Wilson encouraged neutrality & sought to resolve the conflict in Europe w/o success

Mixed feelings about who US should support

US NeutralityCentral Powers

30% were immigrants from Austria-Hungary, Germany & therefore sympathized with the Central powers

Allied PowersMany Am felt bonded to GB b/c of common lang & culture

Britain used propaganda to make the German’s appear to be brutal killers

German War ZoneGermany declared a war zone around Britain

U-boats could attack any boat in this region, including boats from neutral countries

Wilson issued a warning saying Germany would be held responsible for injuries made to Am or Am property

German War Zone

May 1915- Germans sink British passenger ship “Lusitania”

• 128 Am killed

• Am outraged, but warnings

in newspaper

• Was transporting guns to

Britain

• Most Am wanted to

stay out of war

German War Zone

After 2 more ships are attacked & Ams killed/wounded, Wilson threatens to end diplomatic relations w/ Germany

Germany responds with the Sussex Pledge- promise not to sink ships w/o warning or ensuring passenger safety

US Road to War

Increased sale of weapons to Allies

Instituted National Defense Act to increase the number of soldiers in the army & military spending

Wilson breaks diplomatic ties w/ Germany when they resume full use of U-boats

US Road to War

Arm US merchant ships (5 Am ships attacked)

Zimmerman Note- intercepted cable sent to Mexico

called for Mexican/German alliance

Germany would in turn help Mexico regain NM, TX, and AZ

Mobilizing US Military Power

Selective Service Act- required men between 21 & 30 (then 18 & 45) to register for the draft

Over ½ of the Am soldiers were drafted

Mobilizing US Military Power

Thought the draft would bring together soldiers of different backgrounds…in reality

Segregation & discrimination

Were limited to kitchen detail (Af Am)

Constructed massive training campsWere taught hand-to-hand combat

Am Expeditionary Force

Commanded by John J. Pershing

Reg army, national guard, draftees, volunteers

Set up telephones, railroads, hospitals, etc.

Did not fight until 1918

Used a convoy system to get troops, supplies across Atlantic- US warships would accompany merchant vessels