1915-1916: Swaying American Opinion

War Memorial Archive
War Memorial Archives

America was appalled and outraged by the sinking of the British civilian cruise ship Lusitania without warning by a German submarine. Teddy Roosevelt’s public statement echoed the feelings of many:

Library of Congress
Library of Congress

” This represents not merely piracy, but piracy on a vaster scale of murder than the old-time pirates ever practiced. . . . It seems inconceivable that we can refrain from taking action in this matter, for we owe it not only to humanity but to our own national self-respect.”

 

San Francisco Presidio Archives
San Francisco Presidio Archives

 

Although Germany ceased unrestricted submarine warfare, President Woodrow Wilson now embraced the preparedness movement, such as these soldiers practicing bayonet drill.

 

 

 


Library of Congress
Library of Congress

1916 PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN — REFERENDUM ON NEUTRALITY

Wilson was reelected on the slogan “He kept us out of war”… but American women reminded him they want the vote!

 

Library of Congress
Library of Congress

Wilson maintained American neutrality, but many U.S. citizens volunteered to fight with the allies including these men of the aeroplane squadron Lafayette Escadrille.

Library of Congress
Library of Congress

 


SYMPATHY FOR BRITAIN, FRANCE AND THEIR ALLIES

Library of Congress
Library of Congress

Library of Congress
Library of Congress

 

 

1915-1916: Swaying American Opinion Banner on view in  the Veterans Building Lobby

 

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