Lusitania Sinking and US Neutrality

The sinking of the Lusitania, a British passenger liner, by a German submarine in 1915. The ship was carrying munitions, and the incident heightened tensions between the US and Germany.

The policy of attacking all ships, including civilian vessels, in a war zone without warning.

A region deemed hazardous by a military power, where ships risk being attacked.

Goods, including weapons, that are smuggled into or out of a country illegally, often during wartime.

The official warning issued by Germany to Americans to avoid traveling on British ships, as they risked being targeted by German submarines.

The economic strategy of blocking access to ports and preventing ships from entering or leaving a territory.

An act of aggression that is viewed as illegal and violates international law.

The secretary of state advocated for neutrality and restraint, arguing that the US should treat German and British actions equally. However, he resigned after the president's refusal to comply with his recommendations.

America's involvement in World War I shifted its global standing from a debtor to a creditor nation. This happened as it poured resources into assisting the Allied powers, ultimately playing a critical role in their victory.

The sinking of the Lusitania was a significant event in World War I, as it angered Americans and ultimately pushed the US closer to joining the war.

The Treaty of Versailles was a peace agreement signed after World War I. Although Woodrow Wilson was a key figure in its creation, the US ultimately didn't join the League of Nations, a key element of the treaty.

The Great War (World War I) shattered empires, leading to the collapse of major powers like Germany, Austria-Hungary, Russia, and the Ottoman Empire. This reshaped the global power dynamics.

The war's impact on American society was deep. Racial tensions increased with the northward migration of Black Americans, and civil liberties were compromised as the government silenced dissent. This war-fueled social division.

Woodrow Wilson's vision for a peaceful world after the war, focused on the creation of the League of Nations. This international organization aimed to prevent future conflicts. However, the US Senate rejected joining, fearing it could entangle the country in foreign conflicts.

The war spurred advancements in weaponry, introducing new technologies like machine guns, submarines, and dreadnoughts, which made warfare more destructive. This horrifying impact propelled the call for peace and an end to the bloodshed.

The war was a major turning point, propelling the US to the status of a world power. Its involvement, contributions, and economic shift from debtor to creditor solidified this new global position.

The war sparked a

The war deepened social divisions, including racial tensions that worsened with the migration of Black Americans to the North. This fueled a climate of animosity and oppression.