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HOW THE U.S. PREPARED FOR WWI
HOW THE U.S. PREPARED FOR WWI
Why were we able to stay neutral?
-We are far away.-Isolationism: policy
in which you stay out of the affairs of other countries.
Were we really Neutral?
-No supplying Allies. Making $75 mil. a week!
-British had a naval blockade around so Germans can’t get supplies.
GERMAN SOLUTION:
U-Boat-underwater submarine
Radar is invented by the Allies to help against u-boats.
Germans say have a right to attack any ships.
**Lusitania: May 7, 1915 British passenger ship leaving N.Y. is attacked and 128 Americans die.
US REACTION: Make deal Germany only can
attack supply ships and not passenger ships.
A year later (1916) German attacks French passenger ship The Sussex anyway.
Solution: Sussex Pledge1. Germans had to tell ships
before attack them2. Germans allowed to search for
war supplies-if none found must leave ship alone.
3. Must save people (civilians) on ship
4. Americans would tell British to end naval blockade.
(We did not)
ZIMMERMAN NOTE German Secretary of
Foreign Affairs sent telegram to Mexico.
If Mexico allies with them they would get back New Mexico, Texas, and Arizona. Idea would be to have U.S. have to fight in their own land and not join Allies in Europe.
British intercept telegram and Americans find out. (Mexicans never agreed anyway).
They just tried to take our land!!!
RUSSIA WITHDRAWS FROM WWI
In March 1917 Russia leaves the war U.S. is needed to help the Allies
THAT’S IT LAST STRAW!
Wilson asks Congress to declare war Congress declares war April 6, 1917.
US PREPARES FOR WAR We need men-solution?Selective Service Act: men
18-30 have to register for draft-no women!
How do we get money?A. Liberty Bonds: sold for
25cents would get paid back after war with interest.
B. Victory Bonds: sold after the war to pay off war debt.
C. Increase taxes
US PREPARES FOR WAR
Regulate Food & Fuel:1. Food Administration:
government agency regulates food
A. Meatless MondayB. Wheatless WednesdaysC. Prohibition: no alcohol!
18th Amendment.D. Tell farmers what to
grow (farmers are making $$$)
US PREPARES FOR WAR
Fuel Administration: government regulates fuel
A. Daylight Savings timeB. Gasless SundaysC. Heatless Mondays-not mandatory but people
followed out of patriotism!
WINNING SUPPORT OF THE HOMEFRONT
Propaganda-Uncle Sam is
invented!
WINNING SUPPORT OF THE HOMEFRONT
Espionage Act 1917: could not dodge draft or aid enemy.
Sedition Act 1918: Can not speak out against government, military, or flag.
Ban German language from being taught in school
Change frankfurter to “hot dog” sauerkraut to “freedom cabbage”
