America Joins In

Explain why the U.S. joined and what it contributed.

Warm-up, learn, try it together, practice, then a quick check. About 15 minutes.

What children learn in Level 26

In April 1917, President Wilson asked Congress to declare war. Wilson said the world must be made safe for democracy. Congress agreed.
About 2 million American soldiers reached France. The Allies were worn out after years of war, and these fresh troops helped turn the fight.
Black soldiers served too, though the army kept them apart from white soldiers. The Harlem Hellfighters, a regiment from New York, became famous for their courage.
At home, everyone had a job. Women took factory jobs. Families planted victory gardens and bought Liberty Bonds, which lent money to the government. Many Black families moved north for work.
On November 11, 1918, the fighting stopped. We remember that day as Veterans Day.

Georgia Standards of Excellence in Social Studies:

SS5H2.a — Explain how German attacks on U.S. shipping during the war in Europe (1914-1917) ultimately led the U.S. to join the fight against Germany; include the sinking of the Lusitania and concerns over safety of U.S. ships, U.S. contributions to the war, and the impact of the Treaty of Versailles in 1919.