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American Neutrality

At the outset of World War I, the United States adopted a strict policy of neutrality under President Wilson. This stance reflected the prevailing public opinion and the nation's isolationist sentiments. However, as wartime dynamics shifted, American involvement grew due to factors like unrestricted submarine warfare by Germany and the interception of the Zimmerman Telegram. Ultimately, these events culminated in a change of public opinion and led Wilson to seek a declaration of war from Congress, marking the end of the U.S.'s non-interventionist stance.

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American Neutrality

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  1. American Neutrality Total war

  2. Early Statement of Neutrality • The U.S. was determined to adopt a stance of rigid neutrality at the start of the war, and President Wilson announced the American stance to this effect shortly after war broke out: • Stance Reflected Public Opinion • Links of Many Americans to Other Nations (Immigration) • Policy of Isolationism • “Remain neutral in thoughts as well as deed.” http://www.firstworldwar.com/source/usneutrality.htm

  3. America as a Mediator of Peace • Peace Conference • The United States wanted to force the nations at war to end the war through diplomatic means. • Countries of the World should unite against the “Belligerant” countries at war to bring pressure against them to cease the hostilities. • EPIC FAIL

  4. Increasing American involvement against the belligerents • Did someone say neutrality? • Imports and Loans Linked the United States with an Allied Victory.

  5. Conflict with Britain on disruption of American trade • United States Concern • The United States is concerned that ships carrying cargo to neutral nations are being captured by British ships, taken into port, and kept their for 4-5 weeks while the cargo is inspected. • United States feels that the protection of these goods should be top priority and that ships should not be stopped if headed to neutral nations. • British Policy and Rationale • The British feel it is their duty to protect goods going to the enemy. • Claim that they do not feel they are interrupting trade and feel the US claims are not accurate.

  6. American Conflict with germany

  7. American response to unrestricted submarine warfare • Unrestricted Submarine Warfare • Germany attacked vessels that they believed were carrying cargo’s to enemy nations. • The policy not only included cargo ships, but eventually passenger vessels. • Wilson • Warned the Germany that the continued practice of unrestricted warfare on US ships would not be tolerated.

  8. American response to sinking of the Lusitania • British Passenger Ship Lusitania Sinks as a Result of German Attack • 1200 Passengers Aboard the Ship Died. (128 Americans) • German Promise • Would not sink passenger ships without warning. • Germans would violate this promise sinking three ships within a two week period. • The continued attacks would push the United States closer to war.

  9. Zimmerman Telegram • Intercepted by the British and Passed to the United States • Germany Promised to give Mexico lost land in the Southwest if they promised to attack the United States • AMERICANS WERE OUTRAGED

  10. Declaration of War • Rationale • Sinking of US Ships • Zimmerman Telegram • Changing of Public Opinion • Wilson Seeks Declaration of War from Congress

  11. Total war

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