Speech #1◦ August 1914

What was the message Wilson sent?

…………………………………………….

Speech #2◦ April 1917

What is Wilson asking Congress to do? What is his reasoning? What does Wilson accuse Germany of doing?

British great naval strength British set up blockade on coast of Germany What is the purpose of the blockade?

◦ To prevent weapons and military goods from getting into Germany… also included food.

American ships headed for Germany were also captured by the British

750,000 German civilians die of starvation

German U-Boats were attacking British and American ships

What is … “Unrestricted Submarine warfare”◦ Sinking any type of ship without warning (no

restrictions) Kaiser: “all cargoes headed for Great

Britain, considered contraband”◦ What is contraband?

Goods imported or exported illegally Any ship in waters would be sunk. 75,000 lost lives due to U-Boats

British ship carrying American passengers and cargo sunk

See Document Why does the document say that Wilson

had a flimsy argument?

What are the real reasons that are suggested for the US entering the war on the British side?

Why do you think that Americans responded more negatively to Germans than British?

The United States saw the Germans as killing off innocent civilians while the British simply took American goods and ships

Americans had more money invested in the Allies and more profit tied to British Victory.

Speech #1◦ August 1914

What was the message Wilson sent?

…………………………………………….

Speech #2◦ April 1917

What is Wilson asking Congress to do? What is his reasoning? What does Wilson accuse Germany of doing?

1917- Germany restarts unrestricted sub-warfare

Germany sends coded message to Mexico to join war as German ally◦ Help Germany with recovering TX, NM, AZ

Asked b/c figured with unrestricted sub-warfare… US would get involved on British side.

Angered the U.S. and was the last straw for US joining war.

Government sponsored: Convince people to:

◦ Recruit Americans into armed forces◦ To sell War Bonds… money for the war◦ Reduce waste and grow own vegetables

Essentially: Support the War Effort EXAMPLES…… tomorrow