1.  That the people of every nation may determine the form of government under which they wish to live.

2.  That the small nations may have the right to exist and be protected against aggression.

3.  That the future peace of the world may be guaranteed through the formation of a league of nations.

4.  That the world may be made safe for democracy.

THE DECLARATION OF WAR.—­In accordance with the recommendation of the President, Congress declared war against Germany on April 6, 1917.  War was not declared at this time against Germany’s allies, Austria, Turkey, and Bulgaria.  A few days later, however, at the instance of Germany, Austria and Turkey broke off diplomatic relations.  On December 7, 1917, the United States declared war on Austria-Hungary.

Following the declaration of war with Germany, steps were at once taken to put the country in a position to give effective aid to our associates, and the President from time to time has requested Congress to grant authority to do those things that would enable us to take an active part in the war.

OTHER COUNTRIES ENTER THE WAR.—­After the United States entered the war, many other countries, especially Brazil and some of the Spanish American countries, either broke off relations with Germany or declared war against her.  Most of these countries had close commercial relationships with the United States, which would have been seriously interfered with had they remained neutral.

SPURLOS VERSENKT.—­The decision of some of the South American countries to side against Germany was probably hastened by a typical piece of German bad faith.  Argentina was at peace with Germany.  In spite of that fact, the German minister at Buenos Aires (the Argentine capital) telegraphed to his government that if possible Argentine ships should be spared, but if not, they should be sunk without leaving a trace ("spurlos versenkt).”  This would involve the drowning or murdering of the crews, so that there would be no inconvenient protest on the part of the Argentine government.  It should be added that at the request of the German minister, the Swedish minister at Buenos Aires sent these dispatches in code as if they were his own private messages.  In this way the German minister was able to have them sent over cable lines controlled by the Allies.

SUGGESTIONS FOR STUDY.—­1.  What is a “tank”?  What are small tanks called? 2.  Define socialism; Bolsheviki. 3.  On a map of Europe show Germany and her allies in black.  Mark with black lines other territory held or controlled by the Central Powers at the close of 1917. 4.  On a map of southern Europe show Italy’s farthest advance into Austrian territory in 1917. 5.  Collect pictures of Rheims Cathedral, before and after being bombarded by the Germans; also pictures of other places destroyed by bombardments.  Get pictures of different sorts of tanks and airplanes, of destroyers and