Traces the path of the United States from its initial declaration of neutrality in 1914 to its entry into World War I in 1917, focusing on the key events and diplomatic crises.
What were the four long-term 'M.A.I.N.' causes of World War I in Europe?
Militarism (arms races), Alliances (the complex web of secret treaties), Imperialism (competition for colonies), and Nationalism (intense patriotism and ethnic tensions).
What was President Woodrow Wilson's official policy when war broke out in Europe in 1914?
Wilson declared a policy of strict U.S. neutrality and urged Americans to be 'impartial in thought as well as in action.'
How did Great Britain's naval blockade of Germany challenge U.S. neutrality?
The British blockade prevented U.S. ships from trading with Germany, violating American claims to neutral trading rights ('freedom of the seas'). However, the U.S. largely accepted it, leading to a boom in trade with the Allies.
What was Germany's policy of 'unrestricted submarine warfare'?
It was the German practice of using U-boats (submarines) to sink any ship—including neutral and passenger vessels—found in the war zone around Britain without warning.
Why did the sinking of the British passenger liner Lusitania in May 1915 outrage Americans?
A German U-boat sank the Lusitania, killing nearly \(1,200\) people, including \(128\) Americans. This act was seen as an atrocity and turned public opinion sharply against Germany, despite the ship carrying munitions.
What was Wilson's campaign slogan for his 1916 re-election campaign?
His campaign slogan was 'He Kept Us Out of War,' which appealed to the majority of Americans who still favored neutrality and wanted to avoid involvement in the European conflict.
What was the Zimmermann Telegram, intercepted and published in March 1917?
It was a secret message from German Foreign Minister Arthur Zimmermann to Mexico, proposing a military alliance against the U.S. if America entered the war. Germany promised Mexico it would help it reclaim Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona.
What was the final, decisive event that led Wilson to ask Congress for a declaration of war against Germany in April 1917?
Germany's decision in February \(1917\) to resume unrestricted submarine warfare, sinking several American merchant ships without warning, was the final straw.
What idealistic reason did President Wilson give for why the U.S. must enter World War I?
Wilson framed the war as a moral crusade, declaring that the U.S. must fight to 'make the world safe for democracy' and to champion the rights of mankind.
