Thesis: (add in some background info from intro): The United States abandoned its neutrality and chose to enter World War I because of relations with other nations such as France and Britain, and warfare issues.Body paragraph #1: The United States abandoned its neutrality and joined World War I because of financial and economic relations with other nations which made it difficult for them to maintain neutrality between alliances.Doc 1 – William Jennings Bryan – Secretary of State – their financial interests were too powerful to ignore Doc 2(according to this graph) – The US exports to France and Britain rose dramatically after 1915, however exports to Germany dramatically sunk. This shows the influence and connections between France and Britain, and how their relations drew the US into the warBody paragraph #2: The United States abandoned its neutrality and joined World War I because of warfare issues mainly between the US and Germany which sparked emotions, dragging the US in.
Doc 4 – according to the German foreign minister, Germany wanted to make a secret alliance with Mexico. This message called the Zimmerman note. As a result of the Zimmerman note, the US wanted to join the war because this secret alliance with Mexico was threatening them. Because Mexico is directly below America.
Doc 5 – according to pres. Wilson, the German U-boat warfare against trade is also warfare against the US. This is significant b/c it shows the rising opposition towards Germany. OI: The Lusitania was a ship that was sunk by a German U-boat, killing 128 Americans Doc 7 – according to Ernest R. May – as a result of the sunken American ships, and dead americans, Postmaster Burleson said they were at war and might as well consult the congress.
Summary: America turned against Germany after it sunk American ships, resulting in it joining the war to fight against them.
