Germany threatened safe travel for American citizens and free trade with Allies.

Germany launched unrestricted sinking of ships without warning!

May 7, 1915 the British liner the Lusitania was sank off the coast of Ireland. 1,198 people were killed. 128 were Americans.

Great Britain intercepted a telegram from German diplomat Arthur Zimmerman to Mexico urging Mexico to join Germany and fight the US and they would be able to take back New Mexico!

Spread ideas to support a cause or make another look bad. Posters & slogans

Confident Americans believed that they could save the world and make the world safe for democracy! End war for all time and stop the chaos in Europe!

US traded with Europe – The sooner the war ended the better for US businesses.

50,000 fresh troops landed in Europe each month

2 million troops total Boosted morale of weary British and French

troops New provisions Confidence Financial resources