US Entry into WW1 | Daily Bellringer

Summary

The video explores the United States' entry into World War I, starting with its initial neutrality and President Woodrow Wilson's efforts to avoid involvement. Key events, including the German declaration of unrestricted submarine warfare and the sinking of civilian ships like the Lusitania, gradually pushed the U.S. toward war. The Zimmerman Telegram, in which Germany proposed an alliance with Mexico, further escalated tensions. With additional provocations, Wilson requested Congress to declare war on Germany in April 1917. The U.S. military expanded rapidly, and America’s involvement helped turn the tide of the war, leading to the 1918 armistice.

Takeaways

• 😀 World War I began in 1914 due to military buildup and complex alliances in Europe, but the United States initially remained neutral.
• 😀 President Woodrow Wilson maintained a stance of neutrality and favored diplomatic solutions throughout the early years of the war.
• 😀 Wilson's re-election slogan, 'He kept us out of war,' reflected his commitment to staying out of the conflict.
• 😀 Tensions escalated due to Germany's declaration of unrestricted submarine warfare in 1915, sinking both military and civilian ships.
• 😀 The sinking of the Lusitania in 1915, which killed 1,200 civilians including 100 Americans, led to increased pressure for the U.S. to enter the war.
• 😀 Wilson's response to the Lusitania sinking was a call for Germany to cease unrestricted submarine warfare, though the U.S. stayed neutral at that time.
• 😀 The Sussex sinking in 1916 led to the Sussex Pledge, where Germany promised to warn ships before attacking them, temporarily easing tensions.
• 😀 In 1917, Germany resumed unrestricted submarine warfare, which contributed to the U.S. breaking off diplomatic relations with Germany.
• 😀 The Zimmermann Telegram, intercepted by British agents in early 1917, revealed Germany's offer of an alliance with Mexico, further fueling U.S. anger and desire for war.
• 😀 The February 1917 Russian Revolution, which promised democratic reforms, convinced Wilson that joining the Allies would help spread democracy.
• 😀 After several American merchant ships were sunk by German U-boats in March 1917, Wilson asked Congress to declare war on Germany, which they did in April 1917.
• 😀 Although U.S. forces were initially small, millions of Americans volunteered or were drafted to join the military, strengthening the U.S. military capacity during the war.
• 😀 General John J. Pershing led the American Expeditionary Force, which arrived in Europe in June 1917 and contributed significantly to the Allied victory by November 1918.

Q & A

Why did the United States initially stay neutral during World War I?

The United States initially remained neutral because President Woodrow Wilson preferred to address international conflicts through diplomacy and negotiation, hoping to avoid getting involved in the European war.

What event led to the United States becoming involved in World War I?

The United States entered World War I after several key events, including Germany's unrestricted submarine warfare, the sinking of American merchant ships, the interception of the Zimmerman Telegram, and a revolution in Russia that promised a more democratic future.

What was the Sussex Pledge and how did it impact U.S.-Germany relations?

The Sussex Pledge was an agreement signed by Germany after sinking the French passenger ship Sussex in 1916, killing Americans. It promised to give warning to passenger vessels before attacking them. However, Germany later violated this pledge, escalating tensions with the U.S.

How did the sinking of the Lusitania affect U.S. involvement in the war?

The sinking of the Lusitania in 1915, which killed over 100 American passengers, outraged the U.S. However, President Wilson called on Germany to stop its policy of sinking ships without warning, although the U.S. did not immediately enter the war.

What was the Zimmerman Telegram and why did it provoke the United States?

The Zimmerman Telegram was a secret message from Germany to Mexico, proposing a military alliance if the U.S. entered the war. It angered Americans and helped to rally support for entering the war on the side of the Allies.

What role did the revolution in Russia play in the United States’ decision to enter World War I?

The revolution in Russia in 1917, which led to the overthrow of the Russian monarchy and the promise of more democratic elections, made it easier for President Wilson to frame U.S. entry into the war as a fight for democracy alongside the Allies.

How did the U.S. military prepare for World War I after declaring war?

After declaring war, the United States rapidly expanded its military, with over 2 million Americans volunteering and nearly 3 million drafted under the Selective Service Act. The American Expeditionary Force, led by General John J. Pershing, began arriving in Europe in 1917.

Why did President Wilson consider breaking diplomatic ties with Germany in 1917?

Wilson considered breaking diplomatic ties with Germany after the country announced its intention to resume unrestricted submarine warfare, which involved sinking any vessel, including neutral and American ships, headed toward Allied ports.

What was the impact of the U.S. entry into World War I on the outcome of the war?

The entry of the U.S. into World War I on the side of the Allies helped turn the tide of the war, contributing to the eventual defeat of the Central Powers and the signing of an armistice in November 1918.

What was President Wilson's campaign slogan during his re-election in 1916, and how did it relate to U.S. foreign policy?

President Wilson's campaign slogan in 1916 was 'He kept us out of war,' reflecting his policy of neutrality and his commitment to avoiding American involvement in the ongoing European conflict.