Existing comment:
South Carolinians and the War:
"Injury to American commerce excites slight resentment. Assault on American citizens is surely arousing the people to sullen anger much as they abhor war..."
-- Editorial, The State, May 8, 1915, a day after the sinking of the Lusitania
Although U.S. national policy during the first years of the conflict was strictly neutral, many in the Palmetto State sympathized with the Allies (Britain and France). This sentiment increased as the German U-boats (submarines) sank more and more ships, including American vessels. In May 1915, the British liner Lusitania, carrying American passengers, was torpedoed and sunk off the coast of Ireland. Along with hundreds of British nationals, 128 Americans perished. Despite a German apology, the American nation was incensed.
Germany tried to avoid sinking neutral shipping, especially American vessels, but U-boats could not avoid sinking non-belligerent shipping at times, further adding to anti-German feelings. In January 1917, when Berlin renewed its policy of unrestricted submarine warfare on all vessels found in the German war zone, President Wilson broke off diplomatic relations. Soon after, the infamous Zimmerman telegram, intercepted by the British and revealed to the Americans, made war inevitable. In that document, the German foreign minister, Arthur Zimmerman, offered Mexico the return of the southwestern United States if it agreed to an alliance with the Kaiser's government.
These breaches forced President Wilson to reverse the nation's long policy of neutrality. On April 2nd, he addressed Congress to ask for a declaration of war on Germany and her allies. Four days later, a large majority in the House voted in favor of the president's request (373-50). The Senate did as well (82-5). America and South Carolina had now entered the world's biggest conflict. |