Click here to download Lesson #7 Worksheet before you begin!
Clear Target: Justify, with supporting details from text, the reasons for U.S. entry into WWI, including the use of unrestricted submarine warfare by Germany, the Zimmerman Note, and political/economic motivations.
TASK #1: The Lusitania Effect
Task #2: The Zimmerman Note
Read the Zimmerman Note here and write a brief summary on how the Zimmerman Note affected the decision for America to go to war.
Task #3: Analyze the political cartoon.
What does this cartoon represent? How can you tell?
Task #4: Political motivation
By citing text from President Wilson's speech to Congress below, identify the United States' political motivation for entering World War I.
The world must be made safe for democracy. Its peace must be planted upon the tested foundations of political liberty. We have no selfish ends to serve. We desire no conquest, no dominion. We seek no indemnities for ourselves, no material compensation for the sacrifices we shall freely make. We are but one of the champions of the rights of mankind. We shall be satisfied when those rights have been made as secure as the faith and the freedom of nations can make them.
President Woodrow Wilson
1917
President Woodrow Wilson
1917
Task #5: Economic Motivation
Wrapping it up: The United States joined World War One reluctantly and was motivated by German aggression (Unrestricted Submarine Warfare / Zimmerman note), political ties (allies in western Europe), and economic factors (selling munitions, food, supplies to the allies).
Next Up: WWI Tech!
Next Up: WWI Tech!