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US Entry in World War I

Page history last edited by Mr. Hengsterman 8 years ago

 

When World War I broke out in Europe, Wilson issued a proclamation of American neutrality on August 4, 1914.  The value of American trade with the Central Powers fell from $169 million in 1914 to almost nothing in 1916, but trade with the Allies rose from $825 million to $3.2 billion during the same period. 

 

In addition, the British and French had borrowed about $3.25 billion from American lenders by 1917.  The United States had become a major supplier of Allied munitions, food, and raw materials.

 

 

 

 

United States in World War I Timeline



 

 

1914

 

Aug. 4  Wilson issues Proclamation of Neutrality?

 

Aug. 19 Wilson appeals to Americans to be neutral or “impartial in thought as well as in action.”  Are subsequent actions by Wilson “impartial… in action?”

 

 

Blood Money? Sept.Wilson agrees to loans to belligerents.  By 1917, United States investors had purchased $2.3 billion in bonds from the Allies and $40 million in German bonds.

 

    



                                

 

 

 


US Entry Documents

 


1915

 

May 7  The sinking of the Cunard ocean liner RMS Lusitania  

 

May 13  Lusitania Note:  demanded that Germany abandon unrestricted submarine warfare and make reparation for loss of American lives.

 

June 6  Second Lusitania Note:  Bryan says he cannot cosign it because he fears that it could lead to war – Bryan resigns as Secretary of State.

 



 

 

1916

McLemore Resolution –Requested that President warn Americans not to travel on armed vessels..

 



1917            

 

Wilson orders American merchant ships armed.   (without Congressional approval ; Wilson wanted Congressional approval but Robert LaFollette led a Senate filibuster to prevent a vote).

 

Wilson pushed for a draft – he felt that conscription (a draft) was the only democratic and efficient way to recruit a large army.  The Speaker of the House of Reps., Champ Clark – a fellow Democrat, led the opposition to a draft as a threat to democracy and favored voluntarism.

 

Germany announced on January 31, 1917, that it would sink all ships, belligerent or neutral, without warning in a large war zone off the coasts of the Allied nations in the eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean. 

 

The Germans realized that the U.S. might declare war, but they believed that, after cutting the flow of supplies to the Allies, they could win the war before the Americans could send any sizable force to Europe.  Wilson broke diplomatic relations with Germany on February 3, 1917.  During February and March several U.S. merchant ships were sunk by U-boats 

 

 

On the  evening of April 2, 1917, President Wilson appeared before a joint session of Congress and asked for a declaration of war against Germany in order to "make the world safe for democracy." On April 4, Congress granted Wilson's request.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mobilizing the Home Front: War Hysteria

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

US Entry - Journal Set-Up

 

 

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