America Declares War Flashcards
Americans take sides, why?
——–> Propaganda
The American citizens were flooded with propaganda and misinformation, so they were given the idea that Germany was the enemy.
Americans take sides, why?
——–> Business Interests
America had always been business partners with Great Britain, so the businesses were very much inclined to lean towards the Allies, as it was almost impossible for them no to.
Americans take sides, why?
——–> German Submarines
Germany sent a message saying that they would torpedo without warning any ships of any kind of any country within GB’s waters. This caused a huge uproar, and caused a lot of pushback from the US.
Americans take sides, why?
——–> Lusitania in 1915
Lusitania was a passenger ship that was bombed by the Germans killing 128 Americans and injuring many more. It was a horrific show, and Americans fueled this with a LOT of propaganda.
Americans take sides, why?
——–> Sussex Pledge
The Sussex Pledge was a promise made by Germany saying to stop bombing American Merchant ships. When this promise was broken it was a main fueler of WW1.
The U.S. declares War. Why?
——–> ZImmerman Telegram
The ZImmerman telegram was intercepted and it was basically a promise from Arthur Zimmerman to Mexico saying that if Mexico backed them in a war against the U.S. they would get back their Texas, Arizona, and New Mexico territory’s.
The U.S. declares War. Why?
——–> Germany Resumes Unrestricted Submarine Warfare
As I said, Germany broke the Sussex Pledge in 1917, and this caused a huge uproar in the US, as they had now officially broken their promise and began killing Americans.
The U.S. declares War. Why?
——–> “The world must be made safe for democracy”
This is a famous line from President Wilson that gave a justification for why they were going to war during the speech where he decided that. While it was great it was slightly 2 faced. It was a monumental happening.
