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The United States in the Great War: From Stalemate to Declaring War

The Great War saw a devastating stalemate, particularly in trench warfare, as Russian numbers dominated the Eastern Front. The United States initially sought neutrality, with divided public opinion and an emphasis on preserving American interests. However, as casualties mounted and new weapons emerged, sentiments shifted due to atrocities like the Lusitania sinking. The Zimmermann Telegram and U-Boat attacks inflamed U.S. opinion, leading to President Wilson declaring war on April 6, 1917. Ultimately, the war culminated in an Allied victory on November 11, 1918, ending with German surrender.

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The United States in the Great War: From Stalemate to Declaring War

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Presentation Transcript

  1. Over There! The United States in the Great War

  2. Stalemate! • The Great War bogged into stalemate • Russian numbers too great in the East • Trench warfare in the West • Casualties mounted

  3. Neutrality • Initial intent was to remain neutral • Long-standing American policy • American interests not at risk • Population divided on which side to support

  4. Additional Concerns • Modern war fought with 18th century tactics • Stalemate led to new weapons • Poison Gas • Flame Throwers • Tanks • Airplanes • Casualties mounted

  5. Still the U.S. was drawn to the war

  6. However . . . • U.S. drawn toward the Allies • German U-Boat campaign • German violation of neutral rights (Belgium)

  7. U.S. Opinion inflamed by atrocities • Deep disgust over the treatment of neutral nations • Civilians killed when passenger liners sunk by U-Boats • Lusitania • Sussex • Wilson threatened to cut ties with Germany • Sussex Pledge (May 1916) • Germany agreed to stop targeting certain ships

  8. U.S. Declares War – April 1917 • Zimmermann Telegram • Germany to start “unrestricted submarine warfare” in February 1917 • Germany attempts alliance with Mexico • Germany proposed Mexico declare war on the U.S.

  9. U.S. enters the War • War declared April 6, 1917 • Attacks on U.S. shipping • Zimmermann Telegram • U.S. stressed lofty goals • Preserve “freedom of the seas” • Preserve rights of neutral nations • “Make the World Safe for Democracy”

  10. Not a Bang, but a Whimper • The War ended on November 11, 1918 • German troops simply gave up • Could not match numbers of the Allies • Allied troops did not set foot in Germany during the War

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