WEBNotes - Day 4 - 2014 - US Neutrality and Involvement

8/11/2019 WEBNotes - Day 4 - 2014 - US Neutrality and Involvement

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Title: World War I – Neutrality to War

Date: September 23, 2014

Write down theEssential Question.

(1.2.f, 1.2.g) SWBATidentify andevaluate the shift inUnited States policyfrom neutrality toentry into WorldWar I.

DOL: Given an exitcard (80% accuracy)

SW – 1. Answer 3multiple choicequestion. 2. Write aSEEC paragraph onthe following topic:

American Neutrality

EQ: Why was there ashift in U.S. policyfrom neutrality toopen conflict with the

central powers duringWWI?



In 1914 the major powers ofEurope went to war over the issuein the Balkans (Assassination ofthe Arch Duke). Not long after

the war heated up, PresidentWoodrow Wilson declared the U.S.neutral.

Neutrality - state of not supporting or helping eitherside in a conflict

TWS - Evaluate the concept of neutrality: What are 2 possibleadvantages and 2 possible disadvantages of the USremaining neutral in this war?

CHALLENGE! – What do you think were the social

implications of this decision? Political? Economic?




American Neutrality





Wilson’s decision on neutrality was a position that a vast majorityof Americans favored.

He believed that if the UnitedStates could act impartially, it could actually benefitfrom the war.

It could keep its economy strong by providing theEuropean countries with food and supplies, and when

the warring countries had had enough fighting, theUnited States could play the role of peacekeeper.

TWS - Americans had strong ties to Europe. How do you thinkthis impacted policies in the United States?




American Neutrality





Wilson's initial hope that Americacould be "impartial in thought aswell as in action" was sooncompromised by Germany's

attempted quarantine of the BritishIsles.

Britain was one of America's closest trading partners,and tension arose between the United States andGermany when several U.S. ships traveling to Britain

were damaged or sunk by German mines.

TWS - Make a prediction: What do you think might happenthat will cause the United States to break neutrality?CHALLENGE! – Assume the role of the German high

command. Why might you not want to upset the UnitedStates? Explain!




American Neutrality





British Blockade of Germany

Method of attrition

The U.S. traded more with Britain and France. (U.S. wasnot strictly neutral) Many sympathized w/Br. & Fr.

Germany reacted to this through unrestricted submarinewarfare




American Neutrality





German Submarine Warfare sinks the Lusitania

German U-boats attack ships in British ports

U.S. protested unrestricted submarine warfare

Wilson vows to hold Germany responsible for loss ofAmerican life or property

128 Americans are killed

At this point, Germany did not want war with the U.S.and agreed to stop attacking neutral ships.

Later, Germany continued unrestricted submarinewarfare in British waters




American Neutrality





The Zimmerman Telegram

Germany’s foreign secretary (Zimmermann) sent asecret note to Mexico (February 1917)

Germany urged Mexico to attack the U.S. and in

return, Mexico would gain back territory previouslylost to the U.S.

Americans and Wilson are outraged by theZimmermann telegram

Some believe this was a fraud, created by the British

to gain American support in the war to help theAllies win.

2 min: With a partner, argue if this is a legitimate

reason to declare war on Germany. Justify youranswer with at least 2 reasons.




American Neutrality





2 min: With a partner, argue if this is a legitimate

reason to declare war on Germany. Justify youranswer with at least 2 reasons.




American Neutrality



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WEBNotes - Day 4 - 2014 - US Neutrality and Involvement