why did the us enter world war i

12
Why Did the US Enter World War I?? Saul Wecht, Richard Somerville, Jason Port, and Brian Boggess

Upload: rsomerville

Post on 25-Jun-2015

2.709 views

Category:

Business


5 download

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: Why Did The Us Enter World War I

Why Did the US Enter World War I??

Saul Wecht, Richard Somerville, Jason Port, and Brian Boggess

Page 2: Why Did The Us Enter World War I

Theorieso The US was under attack

despite its neutrality

o It was simply a good business choice

o Because of the expansion of the US armed forces and weaponry

Page 3: Why Did The Us Enter World War I

The United States Was Under Attack Despite its Neutrality

As war raged in Europe, America did everything it could to remain neutral

in the conflict but, as they were continually under attack, they had no choice other than entering the war.

o Senator Bugsy Joneso Ropner Shipping Companyo Arthur Zimmerman

Page 4: Why Did The Us Enter World War I

Senator Bugsy JonesWhen I first received that

message, I was shocked. After all we, America, had endured, the attacks on our ships, the loss of trade, the painfull suspense… Germany felt that they could invade us. I knew that this would be the final straw and as soon as I received the ominous telegraph, I contacted the president. Those Germans should have just declared war on us, at least then they would have kept some face, rather than trying to have those Mexicans try and conquer us. We tried to remain neutral, to help them, and this is what they do? The Germans have attacked us and it's about time we returned the favor. We'll make sure they regret the day they decided to attack America.

http://www.ourdocuments.gov/doc.php?flash=true&doc=60

Page 5: Why Did The Us Enter World War I

Ropner Shipping CompanySenator Jones,    How long are we expected to sit by as more of our vessels are destroyed each day? I've lost close to a third of my fleet now and I hear about more attacks each day. The government has already said that the Germans are accountable. So, why are we sitting here at home doing nothing about it? Do you honestly believe that watching as they sink our ships is going to make them stop? If this continues to happen, my company will soon be forced to shut down and I'm sure many others are in a similar situation. I don't blame the U-boats, they are simply doing their job. My losses are the result of the neglect from our government. Continue to ignore this problem, and it will only get worse. Solve this problem now or watch as trade with other countries becomes impossible and our economy withers away. 

http://www.aandc.org/research/ropner.html http://www.murrayarmstrong.com/tm/ropner.htm

Page 6: Why Did The Us Enter World War I

Arthur ZimmermanThose Americans have shown

their weakness, a desire to remain neutral. That is very helpful to us and we need to ensure that it continues if we wish to win this war. I do not wish to bring them into it, but arrangements must be made in case the U.S. does become involved. For that reason I intend to propose a treaty with Mexico. They should be able to deal with the Americans if they do become involved. I will offer them some of the land they previously controlled, something which we have no interest in. The Americans must remain out of this war.

http://www.firstworldwar.com/source/

zimmermann_s peech.htm

Page 7: Why Did The Us Enter World War I

Entering World War I Was Good for American Business

Business was a major reason why the United States went to war. Wall Street has always benefited from

wars, as does a nation's economy if it exports more than it imports. As

expected, this was a major result of WWI.

o Charles M. Schwab (Steel Manufacturer)

o Sarah Jane Lee

Page 8: Why Did The Us Enter World War I

Charles M. SchwabThe Great War was a

necessity for the American economy.  Manufacturers made billions of dollars.  The selling of all sorts of weaponry, steel, and iron gave a huge lift to the economy.  I personally sold thousands of tons of steel to the Allies.  We, as the United States, were able to export much more than we imported.  This is what boosted the U.S. stock market, and gave investors a reason to invest.  All manufacturing companies had their company's stocks rise greatly.  Without this war, the finances in our country would remain low.

http://eh.net/encyclopedia/article/Ro ckoff.WWI

Page 9: Why Did The Us Enter World War I

Sarah Jane LeeWhen my husband was

sent to the war, I took over his job at the steel mill.  If not for the Great War, I and many other women throughout the United States would not have gained economic independence.  With our husbands at war, we chose where the money went.  We brought softer, but just as powerful, ideas to the economy.  In fact, we worked much harder than men.  In the workplace, our production of goods was much more efficient because we were determined to prove we were just as important to the United States as men.http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/worldwarone/hq/hfront2_03.

shtml

Page 10: Why Did The Us Enter World War I

The US Entered WWI Because of Its Military and Weaponry Expansion

o Secretary of War Lindley M. Garrison

o Dr. R. Steinberg

Page 11: Why Did The Us Enter World War I

Secretary of War Lindley M. Garrison

Many Americans are surprised the United States entered the War. However, I have always believed it was inevitable.  To break out of our isolationism and show the world our strength we must be able to fight back against the authoritarian Germans, and assist our democratic allies. The only way is to increase our military strength. The navy already increased its strength when it came to the aid of merchant ships under the persistent attacks of German U-boats. The United States government also prepared the army by increasing federal control over the national guard, increasing the strength of the Regular Army, and creating the National Army. Training for these men have been rigorous and was never meant to be in vain. I wanted to show the world our power and the power of capitalism. The British and French are stuck in a stalemate and this is the time for us to save the world. Increasing our military strength is the first step to becoming a military power. 

http://www.history.army.mil/books/amh/AMH-17.htm

Page 12: Why Did The Us Enter World War I

Dr. R. Steinberg The United States is on the edge of modern technology. Wars always bring out the greatest of inventions and the airplane is one of our newest pets. We have been producing the British De Havilland DH-4 as a jump start for our own concepts of a plane and it has gone very well. We have been able to train our own pilots and some of them have assisted the French Armee de l'Air. We already have a leg up on everyone before we have even decided to enter the war. The airplane is a great machine of war and shows the world not only our military strength but also our technological strength. We are trying to be the first to perfect air combat. The Great War is the perfect battlefield to test it out.

http://www.centennialofflight.gov/essay/Aerospace/WWi/Aero5.htm