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The US declared neutrality in 1914.
WW re-elected in 1916- “he kept us out of war”
Close ties to the Allies, but we also had a large
German-American population.
Plus…most Americans favored isolationism
May 1915- a German U-boat torpedoed and sank the
Lusitania – a British passenger ship.
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It was also carrying 173 tons of ammunition
Traveling from NY to London
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Over 1,000 were killed, including 128 Americans

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Americans were outraged, but German leaders avoided war with the US by promising to issue warnings before sinking any future ships.
By late 1916-early 1917, all countries were low on supplies and running out of steam.
Feb. 1917- Germany resumed policy of unrestricted submarine warfare.
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Believed they could force Britain to surrender before the US could enter the war.

2.) Cultural Ties
-Allied nations were democratic like the U.S.
-Common language, history
3.) Democracy in Russia
-Czar Nicholas II stepped down in 1917
-Made WW more willing to join the Allies.

4.) Zimmermann Telegram
-British intelligence intercepted a note from the
German foreign minister, Arthur Zimmermann, to his ambassador in Mexico.
-Suggested that Mexico attack the U.S.; in exchange
Germany would help them regain TX, NM, and AZ.
Authentic?

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Russia – withdraws in 1917 – Germans can move all troops to Western Front
March 1918- launch a massive attack on the British –
Second Battle of the Somme
2 months of heavy fighting, both sides lost about
500,000 men; German army gets within artillery range of Paris!
About 300,000 new US troops arrive each month
American forces save the Allies and push Germans back beyond their own border.

 Between Sept and Nov 1918:
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Bulgaria, Ottoman Empire, and Austria-Hungary surrender
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German military starts to mutiny once they know they can’t win; revolts throughout German cities
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Nov 9: Kaiser abdicates and flees to the Netherlands
New leaders take over and declare Germany a republic
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Armistice signed on Nov. 11 at 11 am