US Entry into World War I Flashcards

What was the position of the United States under President Wilson towards World War I?

What is a U-Boat and explain unrestricted submarine warfare?

Did the amount of exported goods and loans that the United States was providing to the Allied and Central powers favor one side?

What message did the German Admiralty Declaration of February 4, 1915, send to the world?

What was President Wilson's response to the German Admiralty Declaration?

What happened to the Lusitania and what effect did it have on the United States?

What happened to the Sussex, and what was the United States' response?

What policy did Germany change on January 31, 1917, and what was President Wilson's response?

Why did President Wilson ask for a special session of Congress on April 2nd, 1917?

What was the Zimmerman Telegram and what effect did it have on the United States?

U.S. Position in World War I

President Wilson preferred neutrality to maintain peace during the beginning of WWI.

U-Boat and Unrestricted Submarine Warfare

U-boats are German submarines used in naval warfare.
Unrestricted submarine warfare involves sinking merchant ships without warning, highlighting a shift in German naval tactics.

U.S. Exports and Loans

The U.S. significantly favored the Allies in exports and loans; exports rose from $824.8 million in 1914 to $8,200 million in 1916.

German Admiralty Declaration

The German Admiralty Declaration of February 4, 1915, threatened to destroy any ship entering British waters, escalating tensions.

Wilson's Response to German Actions

In reaction to the German declaration, President Wilson planned an undercover mission aimed at targeting German leadership.

Lusitania Incident

The Lusitania, a British ocean liner, was sunk by a German submarine. This incident diminished U.S. trust in Germany and became a pivotal reason for entering the war.

Sussex Incident

The Sussex, mistaken for a minelayer, was torpedoed but did not sink. Wilson issued an ultimatum demanding an end to attacks on unarmed ships, successfully halting such German actions temporarily.

Zimmerman Telegram

On January 31, 1917, Germany proposed a military alliance with Mexico in the Zimmerman Telegram, urging Mexican intervention if the U.S. entered the war.

Special Session of Congress

On April 2, 1917, Wilson called for a special session of Congress to discuss a declaration of war against Germany, leading to the U.S. formally entering the conflict.

Effect of the Zimmerman Telegram

The public release of the Zimmerman Telegram on March 1, 1917, fueled anti-German sentiment in the U.S. and contributed to the decision to enter the war.

Explore the key reasons and events surrounding the United States' entry into World War I through this flashcard quiz. Learn about President Wilson's initial stance on neutrality and the implications of unrestricted submarine warfare.