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Over There!. The United States in the Great War. Focus Question. In a short response of one to two sentences, describe a good reason for a country to go to war. Stalemate!. The Great War bogged into stalemate Russian numbers too great in the East Trench warfare in the West
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Over There! The United States in the Great War
Focus Question • In a short response of one to two sentences, describe a good reason for a country to go to war.
Stalemate! • The Great War bogged into stalemate • Russian numbers too great in the East • Trench warfare in the West • Casualties mounted
Neutrality • Initial intent was to remain neutral • Long-standing American policy of isolation • American interests not at risk • U.S. unprepared for war. • Wilson as a peacemaker • Population divided on which side to support
Additional Concerns • Modern war fought with 18th century tactics • Stalemate led to new weapons • Poison Gas • Flame Throwers • Tanks • Airplanes • Casualties mounted
However . . . • U.S. drawn toward the Allies • German U-Boat campaign • German violation of neutral rights (Belgium)
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
Preparations • Influential Americans proposed entering the war in 1915 • National Defense Act passed in June, 1916 • Saw a rapid growth of the military • Increased Army to 175,000 troops • 50 new warships for the Navy
1916 Presidential Campaign • Seen as a referendum on U.S. policy in Europe • Anti-War Sentiments strong • “He Kept Us Out of the War”
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.
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”
Summary • In a short response of one to two sentences, describe some topic from class today you would like to learn more about.