The American public, fearful after the attack, demanded that the US remain isolated and avoid future conflicts with Germany.

Americans, angry about the sinking and the accompanying loss of life, demanded immediate action from the government and revenge against Germany.

The American public criticized the British for blockading German ports; thereby causing the attack and the loss of life.

The United States immediately declared war and created its own blockade of all European ports- sinking all Germany ships that violated the blockade.

Mexico, hoping to reclaim territory lost to the United States, requested German military assistance in a planned invasion of American territory.

Germany, hoping to distract the American government and American military, tried to persuade Mexico to invade the United States.

The Zimmerman Note, sent by the German government, attempted to persuade the American government to join the war and side with Germany.

The United States, wanting to assist Great Britain, sent a telegram to Russia encouraging them to send more troops to combat German forces on the Eastern Front.

Britain’s use of unrestricted submarine warfare angered the American government and forced the Americans to ultimately enter the war and side with the Central Powers.

The sinking of the Lusitania, though unpopular in America, did nothing to alter American public opinion about the war.

Woodrow Wilson won reelection by promising to rid the world to the threat posed by Germany and Austria-Hungary.

Unrestricted submarine warfare caused American casualties and cost American dollars; consequently, forcing many Americans to turn against Germany.

The Zimmerman Note

Franz Ferdinand

Woodrow Wilson

US Declaration of War

“It is none of our business, we should stay out of the conflict and let the Europeans fight their own war.”

“This is outrageous, we should invade and conquer Mexico before they invade our country.”

“Germany has gone too far. We cannot trust them; therefore, we must fight to defeat them and protect our country.”

“Germany is being forced into this. The British are leaving them no choice. Without foreign support, Germany cannot win.”

The US launches an invasion of Germany to avenge the sinking of the Lusitania.

The American government secretly negotiates a military alliance with Great Britain in which they pledge to support the British in the war against Germany.

Woodrow Wilson, and the US government, despite the recent attack on the Lusitania, refuses to become entangled in the conflict in Europe.

The US, outraged by the loss of life on the Western Front, launches a full-scale invasion of Europe.

Assassination of Woodrow Wilson

US military draft

Russian invasion of Serbia

The Zimmerman Note

“The US is nothing, we need not worry about US participation in our war.”

“We need not fear the US, we will defeat them easily without the support or assistance of any foreign power.”

“Despite the attack on the Lusitania, the US is still our close ally and willing to help us in our war with Britain.”

“The sinking of the Lusitania has turned America against us and our only hope is to find other allies that might be willing to help us defeat the Americans before they enter the war.”

Wilson

Washington

Roosevelt

McKinley

take France’s overseas colonies

support the Central Powers

send military aid to the Ottoman Empire

ask Congress to declare war against Germany