August, 1915- Germany struck again, this time sinking the British liner, the Arabic, killing two more Americans. Just like the days following the Lusitania disaster, Wilson and protested but ruled out a military response. Germany’s response was to promise not to target any more passenger March, 1916- Germany’s promise was broken when it sunk the French passenger ship, the Sussex, killing or injuring 80 passengers, including several Americans. America threatened to end diplomatic relations if Germany did not stop the unprovoked attacks. Germany issued its Sussex pledge, agreeing to stop the targeting of passenger ships IF America successfully persuaded Britain to lift its blockade. Failure to meet that condition would result in unrestricted submarine warfare from the Germans. Wilson Wins Reelection in 1916- Woodrow Wilson won a tight race against his Republican opponent, Supreme Court Justice Charles Evans Hughes. The war in Europe was a key issue, and many Democrats campaigned for Wilson with the slogan, Kept Us Out Of War!” “He ***After Wilson’s second inauguration, many Americans considered this campaign slogan ironic, as Wilson soon made the case to both Congress and the public that was more precious than peace” and it was time for “Right America to join the fight to make the world safe for democracy. The United States Declares War Germany’s provocations, including a proposed alliance with Mexico, as well as an epic revolution in Russia would contribute to America’s decision to come to the aid of the Allies. But as spring sprung in 1917, it would again be the Germany U-boat attacks that would push the Americans over the edge. Jan. 31, 1917- Germany’s Kaiser, Wilhelm II announced their resumption of unrestricted submarine warfare Any ship in British waters would be shot on sight. Wilson knew this would bring the U.S. into the war, but he told the nation he would wait for overt acts” before seeking Congress’ “actual declaration of war. Feb. 1917- News broke of a telegram from Germany to Mexico, intercepted by British agents. This Zimmerman note proposed an alliance between Mexico and Germany, that in the even the U.S. declared war on Germany, Germany would support Mexico in recovering territories it had lost to the U.S., including Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. Germany hoped to keep the U.S. occupied in North America, unable to effective help the Allies in Europe.
August, 1915- Germany struck again, this time sinking the British liner, the Arabic, killing two more Americans. Just like the days following the Lusitania disaster, Wilson and protested but ruled out a military response. Germany’s response was to promise not to target any more passenger March, 1916- Germany’s promise was broken when it sunk the French passenger ship, the Sussex, killing or injuring 80 passengers, including several Americans. America threatened to end diplomatic relations if Germany did not stop the unprovoked attacks. Germany issued its Sussex pledge, agreeing to stop the targeting of passenger ships IF America successfully persuaded Britain to lift its blockade. Failure to meet that condition would result in unrestricted submarine warfare from the Germans. Wilson Wins Reelection in 1916- Woodrow Wilson won a tight race against his Republican opponent, Supreme Court Justice Charles Evans Hughes. The war in Europe was a key issue, and many Democrats campaigned for Wilson with the slogan, “He Kept Us Out Of War!” ***After Wilson’s second inauguration, many Americans considered this campaign slogan ironic, as Wilson soon made the case to both Congress and the public that “Right was more precious than peace” and it was time for America to join the fight to make the world safe for democracy. The United States Declares War Germany’s provocations, including a proposed alliance with Mexico, as well as an epic revolution in Russia would contribute to America’s decision to come to the aid of the Allies. But as spring sprung in 1917, it would again be the Germany U-boat attacks that would push the Americans over the edge. Jan. 31, 1917- Germany’s Kaiser, Wilhelm II announced their resumption of unrestricted submarine warfare Any ship in British waters would be shot on sight. Wilson knew this would bring the U.S. into the war, but he told the nation he would wait for “actual overt acts” before seeking Congress’ declaration of war. Feb. 1917- News broke of a telegram from Germany to Mexico, intercepted by British agents. This Zimmerman note proposed an alliance between Mexico and Germany, that in the even the U.S. declared war on Germany, Germany would support Mexico in recovering territories it had lost to the U.S., including Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. Germany hoped to keep the U.S. occupied in North America, unable to effective help the Allies in Europe.