Today we looked at the buildup to the U.S. entering World War I. The U.S. attempted to stay neutral, but the buildup of sympathy towards Britain and outrage towards Germany made staying neutral almost impossible. The sinking of British ships carrying American passengers, such as the RMS Lusitania, pushed the States to the brink of war. Then, finally, the Zimmermann Note pushed the U.S. to declaring war in April of 1917. The Zimmermann Note was a telegram intercepted by by the British and shared with U.S. intelligence. Sent by Germany to Mexico, Germany asked Mexico to declare war and attack the U.S. In return for the favor, Germany would help Mexico to regain some of its territories in the U.S. (i.e TX, AZ, NM and parts of CA). This was the final straw and the U.S. declared war against Germany in April of 1917.