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The USA seems destined to enter the was on the Entente side, even if the Germans do not declare unrestricted submarine warfare.

- But what else triggers progressive US mobilization, apart from German subs on UK national morale hexes?

- Is the sinking of the Lusitania a random event, or can the Germans prevent it or at least reduce the risk of that happening?

- And how much does the sinking of the Lusitania shift USA mobilization?

Thanks in advance for these clarifications.

Michael

Hi Michael

Unrestricted naval warfare is the biggest factor affecting US mobilization, and the sinking of the Lusitania (with a 5-8% swing) will only happen if Germany opts to use unrestricted attacks.

The Entente may carry out diplomacy, otherwise it is not until 1917 that the US will steadily start mobilizing towards entering the war.

Another factor is the loss of Russia, as the UK can then support the Preparedness movement to increase US mobilization.

Other reasons might be declarations of war, and even without unrestricted naval warfare being used there can be some very small swings of US mobilization due to German raiding in the Atlantic.

Bill - Understood. However, is there some percentage of automatic USA mobilization built into each turn of the campaign starting sometime in 1917? If so, what is the range in percent? In my first game as Central Powers, I did not declare unrestricted submarine warfare and did not make any declarations of war after 1916. Yet the USA eventually mobilized anyway by mid 1918. So, it seems there is a current flowing in that direction. It would be good to know what it is.

Michael

That's right, from the start of 1917 the US starts mobilizing by a small % each turn, but not until then.