Wilson Reacts
Public opinion and neutrality
Shift towards the war
Key events and actions
100

True or False: Wilson wanted to stay neutral and out of the war

True!

100

Many Americans wanted the U.S. to stay out of this conflict when it began in Europe in 1914.

World War 1

100

This U.S. president signed the National Defense Act and strengthened the navy while promoting “America First.”

Wilson

100

Wilson asked Congress for this on April 2, 1917, after Germany resumed unrestricted submarine attacks.

a declaration of war

200

This U.S. president declared neutrality when World War I broke out in 1914

Wilson

200

Despite strong support for neutrality, Americans still strengthened this by volunteering over 100,000 soldiers.

The military

200

This 1915 German attack on a British passenger ship killed 128 Americans and shifted public opinion.

The sinking of the Lusitania

200

This intercepted 1917 message from Germany proposed an alliance with Mexico if the U.S. joined the Allies.

The Zimmerman telegram

300

Wilson wanted the U.S. to act as this, helping to resolve conflicts and promote peace rather than fight in Europe.

Mediator

300

About 10% of Americans identified with this ethnicity and hoped the U.S. would remain neutral.

German

300

In 1916, Wilson sent U.S. troops to this country to locate rebel leader Pancho Villa.

Mexico

300

In 1917, Germany reversed this pledge and resumed unrestricted submarine warfare.

The sussex pledge

400

German attacks, including the sinking of this British passenger ship in 1915, helped push the U.S. toward entering the war.

Lusitania

400

Americans lent large sums of money to these governments, giving the U.S. a financial stake in the war.

The allied governments

400

Some Americans joined this French military unit to fight in Europe before the U.S. officially entered the war.

the French Foreign Legion or Lafayette Escadrille

400

As part of the Zimmermann Telegram plan, Germany promised to help Mexico regain these territories lost to the U.S.

Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona