America Joins the War

After Germany resumes submarine blitz

With stalemate on the Western Front, Germany becomes desperate to break through. In a dangerous move, it resumes unrestricted submarine warfare in 1917, again targeting neutral shipping, to knock Britain out of the war.

President Wilson argues that the submarine policy amounts to commercial war against America. Congress agrees, and a declaration of war against Germany passes with strong bipartisan support. Volunteers are called up.

This is quickly followed by the Selective Service Act, which authorizes the drafting of three million Americans by the end of the war. The additional manpower arriving in Europe begins to tip the balance against Germany.
Woodrow Wilson and submarines, 1917

  Yanks Prepare for War
The declaration of war comes just three months after Germany's resumption of unrestricted submarine warfare. Mobilizing the war effort takes a few more months, as America has almost no standing military. By mid-summer, however, America is sending a quarter million new troops to Europe each month. This provides the muscle for a strong new offensive on the Western Front.

Propaganda and Victory bonds, 1917

  Getting out the Checkbook
All this results in the need for massive new war financing. Victory Bonds are a way for ordinary Americans to contribute directly, and immediately, to the war effort. Everyone is called upon to join in support of the war, including movie stars and housewives. The mood is electric, as America is now throbbing with war activity.


Americans troops in France, 1917

  Over There
For the first several months, American troops are used mainly for support. They lack combat experience and heavy equipment, like tanks. America eventually begins producing copies of a French tank, and makes 1,000 by war's end. Meanwhile, US troops gradually assume a greater role in operations, including the final push to victory in late 1918.