University of Houston
University of Houston: Engines of Our Ingenuity: No. 381: Civil War Submarine
A short discussion about the invention of the submarine and its use by both the Confederates and the Federals in the Civil War. This is a transcript of an accompanying radio broadcast.
Digital History
Digital History: The United States Wwi
This site explains how Germany resuming unrestricted submarine warfare contributed to the US entering WWI. Site is well-written, informative, and contains great details.
Curated OER
History Matters: The Zimmerman Telegram Bringing America Closer to War
This is a copy of the actual Zimmerman Telegram where Germany states that it "Intends to begin - unrestricted submarine warfare." A great primary source that takes students deeper into historical understanding.
World War 1
Worldwar1.com: Trenches on the Web: Armory: U Boats: Assassins of the Seas
This site contains pictures, charts and general information on Germany's use of submarine warfare. It focuses on the second phase of submarine usage, i.e., to disrupt trade lines and enforce embargos.
Other
Uboat.net: Imperial German Majesty's Uboats in Wwi
A Brief article describing the U-boat crisis of 1916 and the declaration of unrestricted submarine warfare
US Navy
Naval Historical Center: The h.l. Hunley in Historical Context
An extensive history of the Confederate submarine, H.L.Hunley, the first submarine to sink a warship. Also information about two earlier prototypes.
Siteseen
Siteseen: American Historama: Sussex Pledge
Comprehensive overview provides detailed facts and information on the Sussex Pledge, a promise to the US to alter the German policy of unrestricted submarine warfare in WWI.
Then Again
Then Again: Web Chron: The Sinking of the Lusitania
NorthPark University offers several informative paragraphs on the sinking of the Lusitania, a British cargo and passenger ship that was torpedoed and sank due to German submarine activity on May 7, 1915.
Ducksters
Ducksters: World War I for Kids: Changes in Modern Warfare
Kids learn about the changes in modern warfare that occurred during World War I including airplanes, bombers, tanks, trench warfare, submarines, machine guns, and chemical weapons.
Mariners' Museum and Park
Mariners' Museum: Battle of the Atlantic: A Virtual Exhibit
An online exhibit detailing Word War II's Battle of the Atlantic.
Other
Canonesea, Convoy Hx72 and U 100
A detailed account of the attack on a merchant convoy traveling from Canada to England. At the time of the attack (Sept. 1940), it represented the largest U Boat "Wolf Pack" attack on a British convoy.
Other
Deep Image: The Discovery of the U767
A first hand account on the discovery of the German U Boat, the U767, which was sunk in the English Channel by British naval forces. Includes a primary source on the attack on the U Boat.
Digital History
Digital History: America at War: The Guns of August
Read about the course of World War I on both the eastern and western fronts. See how the upheaval in the world brought about attempts at revolution in several countries.
Other
American Merchant Marine at War: u.s. Merchant Marine in World War Ii
Gives an excellent history of the sailing ships and sailors of the Merchant Marine in both the Atlantic and Pacific. Links on the page include many firsthand accounts of the sailors and their experiences during the war.
Other
Germany's High Sea Fleet in the World War
Entire online text of an original book written by the chief German Admiral in World War One.
Other
Destroyers Online: Destroyers, Destroyer Escorts, and Frigates
Extensive information about primary U.S. war ships used to protect convoys from U-Boats.
Social Studies Help Center
Social Studies Help: Why Did the United States Enter World War One?
A set of lecture notes on the events leading to WWI and their impact on the United States. Although this site covers WWI, its main focus is the war in relation to America, and why they joined the war.
Other
New Hampshire State Library: World War Ii Posters
This site contains various posters the US Government used during World War II to raise nationalism and increase the armed forces.
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: America in the First World War
A brief overview of the United States in the World War I era. Read about initial American neutrality, American entrance into the war, and the American homefront.
BBC
Bbc History: World Wars: World War One: The First Battle of the Atlantic
Historian Gary Sheffield recounts the events, strategies, and outcomes of the Battle for the Atlantic, in a six-part illustrated article.
World War 1
Worldwar1.com: Great War Society: Relevance: America's Turn From Neutrality to Intervention
Essay discussing the events that influenced the U.S. to change its foreign policies during the years of 1914 to 1917. (Published Spring 1992, revised May 24, 1996)
Digital History
Digital History: Neutrality and the Lusitania [Pdf]
American neutrality in World War I was sorely tested with the attack and sinking of the passenger ship, Luisitania. Read information about the attack and find conflicting reactions by Franklin Roosevelt and William Jennings Bryan about...
Digital History
Digital History: America Goes to War [Pdf]
President Woodrow Wilson tried to maintain American neutrality in World War I. Find out why he decided that the U.S. needed to join the war and read a portion of his message to Congress asking for a declaration of war against Germany....
Oregon Secretary of State
Oregon at War: Before the War America's Strained Neutrality
Read about the attempts of the United States to remain neutral during World War I raging in Europe. Find out what finally made U.S. entrance into the war inevitable.