Changes

The '''Preparedness Movement''' was an effort by Americans outside the government to prepare the military --and the American people--for entry into [[World War I]] (<small>''see also [[American entry into World War I]]'').

The '''Preparedness Movement''' was an effort by Americans outside the government to prepare the military --and the American people--for entry into [[World War I]] (<small>''see also [[American entry into World War I]]''</small>).

[[World War I]] broke out in 1914.  Americans were horrified and were officially neutral. By 1915, Americans were paying much more attention to the war. The German atrocities against civilians in [[Belgium]] and especially the illegal u-boat sinking of the British passenger liner ''[[Lusitania]]'' was the eye-opener for most people regarding German brutality.<ref> International law said that in wartime it was permissible to sink a merchant or passenger ship only after the creew and passengers were give time to get into life boats. The ''Lusitania'' sank in 15 minutes and most passengers drowned.</ref>  

[[World War I]] broke out in 1914.  Americans were horrified and were officially neutral. By 1915, Americans were paying much more attention to the war. The German atrocities against civilians in [[Belgium]] and especially the illegal u-boat sinking of the British passenger liner ''[[Lusitania]]'' was the eye-opener for most people regarding German brutality.<ref> International law said that in wartime it was permissible to sink a merchant or passenger ship only after the creew and passengers were give time to get into life boats. The ''Lusitania'' sank in 15 minutes and most passengers drowned.</ref>