World War ITurning Points

in 1917

Russian Revolution

• Why did it happen?• Remember Tannenberg

• social conditions• 9,000,000 casualties!

Why Does the Russian Rev Matter?

• No Russia, no two front war

• Russia loses a lot of land

• first socialist revolution--ever!

U.S. Involvement in World War I

Initial Response in the United States

• Confusion?

• Citizens had divided loyalties

• Goal: Isolation and Neutrality

Was the U.S. Really Neutral?

• Yes

• was not part of any alliance

• lent money and sold goods to both sides

• No

• many citizens thought Germany was barbaric

• lent more money to the Allies: $2.2 billion versus $30 million

U.S. President Woodrow Wilson• thought war would end quickly

• 1916 re-election: “He kept us out of war”

• So why does the U.S. get involved???

Reason #1Brutality of German military

Unrestricted Submarine Warfare

• Sinking of the Lusitania May 7, 1915

• Sussex Pledge May 10, 1915

Reason #2: Zimmerman Telegram

Zimmerman Telegram Decoded

*Look*--->

Reason #3: Financial

• U.S. lent over $2 billion to the Allies

• What if the Allies lose?

Reason #4: Identity• U.S. power and influence is growing

• If Germany is barbaric, then what is the U.S.?

• “war to end all wars”

• “make the world safe for democracy”

U.S. Declares War--April 1917• Draft

• Propaganda--Committee on Public Information

• Initial impact on the war

• Sedition Act (1918)

U.S. Propaganda