Second Thesis Part:
German aggression, Schlieffen Plan
German atrocities committed in Belgium
o British Propaganda examples
o American Reaction
Theodore Roosevelt, 1917 “Americans are proudly ready to fight to
the last for the overthrow of the brutal German militarism, which
threatens America no less than every other civilized nations”
American public begins to feel a that there is a moral obligation to
act
**Repeat for additional thesis parts**
Conclusion:
Restate thesis (using new language): Ultimately, the United States’ deviation
from its policy of neutrality was warranted due to Germany’s brutal disregard for
civilian casualties, infringement of international law, and disruption of America’s
opportunity to trade freely.
Summarize each thesis part: America had a moral obligation to enter the war in
order to prevent additional German atrocities
Germany was unjustly ignoring established international law respecting the rights
of neutral nations
German actions severely curtailed American commerce
Statement of overall significance:
o Consider what your topic demonstrates, why it is important in its own right
and in the broader picture, etc.
o These are some potential ideas for this specific topic
America has since intervened in many foreign engagements in order
to protect its economic interests
It marked a shift in Am. foreign policy where Am. would no longer
be an isolationist country.