WWI that started a century ago went without direct participation of the USA for a long time. Country with great economic capacity that gained political weight on the international arena proclaimed and adhered to a long-term neutrality by trading with countries at war and making profit.
Government propaganda on all levels demonstrated determination of the USA to the officially declared commitment, although opposition press and European media were making fun of Washington’s politics. After a while anti-German sentiments in American society took over, in April 1917 the United States joined the war. Well, at least we have amusing posters and postcards from back then.
Uncle Sam calmly watching tug-of-war. Looking at daring shapes of Austria-Hungary, Germany and Ottoman Empire as well as their unattractive opponents, this cartoon has been drawn somewhere in Berlin or Vienna
Suffering humanity. President Wilson: «In the name of humanity, I want you to stop your submarine warfare». Kaiser Wilhelm: «In the name of humanity, I want you to stop the sale of ammunition»
One more cartoon about double standards: to all the good willed people in the name of Peace, Uncle Sam promises to fulfill weapons and war equipment orders on time
American version of «our armored train is ready» (reference to the song from popular Soviet movie «Three comrades», 1935): bull terrier portraying USA assures he is neutral but in the same time is not afraid of English bulldog, German dachshund, French bulldog and Russian borzoi
Cartoon from «Life» magazine on the left – Great Britain, Germany, Japan and Austria-Hungary eagerly watching American sailor who trying to choose between two birds – war eagle or peace dove. Cover of «The Neutrality march» music sheet on the right. Songs like «I Didn’t Raise My Boy to Be a Soldier» were trending. But different songs and marches are soon to become popular
