3.4 U.S. Enters War

Although the United States practiced a

policy of isolationism, they became involved with World War

One for two reasons…

Who is the author of this advertisement?

Who is the targeted audience?

Using specifics from the text, what are they warning against?

What naval strategy is this known as?

Unrestricted Submarine Warfare

Waged by Germany against

Great Britain and her allies.

Most of the naval warfare

during WWI was composed

of this type of warfare.

Unrestricted German U-Boat

attacks on every and any

merchant ship in the

Atlantic Ocean that

attempted to aid the Allied

powers.

German U-Boat Blockade

#1: unrestricted submarine warfare

On May 7, 1915, a German U-Boat torpedoed the Lusitania, a passenger ship. Over 1,900 people died, including over 120

Americans.

Germans placed a U-Boat Blockade around Britain in an attempt to quarantine

them.

Pair-share

Why did the U.S. practice isolationism?

Why did Germany practice unrestricted submarine warfare and place a

blockade around England?

What happened to the Lusitania and why was it

significant?

Pair-share

Identify who the figures represent.

Predict what “the temptation” is. What do you think is happening

between the figures?

No2: The Zimmerman Note

In an attempt to keep the U.S. out of the conflict in Europe for as

long as possible, Germany propositioned Mexico to declare

war on the United States. In return, Germany would help

Mexico recover “lost” territory from the U.S. if Germany won the

war.

No2: The Zimmerman NoteWe intend to begin on the first of February unrestricted submarine warfare. We shall endeavor [try] in spite [despite] of this to keep the United States of America neutral. In the event of this not succeeding, we make Mexico a proposal or alliance on the following basis: make war together, make peace together, generous financial support and an understanding on our part that Mexico is to reconquer the lost territory in Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. The settlement in detail is left to you. You will inform the President (of Mexico) of the above most secretly as soon as the outbreak of war with the United States of America is certain and add the suggestion that he should, on his own initiative, invite Japan to immediate adherence [obedience] and at the same time mediate [oversee agreement] between Japan and ourselves. Please call the President's attention to the fact that the ruthless employment of our submarines now offers the prospect of compelling England in a few months to make peace.” Signed, ZIMMERMANN.

Source: telegram from Arthur Zimmermann, German foreign minister to the German ambassador to Mexico (January 16, 1917)

The result Not too long after the Zimmerman Telegram, the U.S. declared war against

Germany

“…in order to make the world safe for democracy.”

America entered the war on the side of the Allies, greatly helping the struggling Allies

and eventually leading to victory.

Woodrow Wilson

(President of the u.s.

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