Background of the United States’ Neutrality

Before the United States joined the First World War, it maintained a policy of neutrality. This policy was rooted in the desire to avoid the European conflict and focus on domestic issues. However, as the war progressed, the situation changed, and the United States found itself increasingly drawn into the conflict.

The Sinking of the Lusitania

One of the pivotal events that led to the United States’ decision to enter the war was the sinking of the RMS Lusitania by a German U-boat in 1915. The Lusitania was a British ocean liner carrying both passengers and cargo, including munitions. The sinking of the Lusitania resulted in the deaths of 1,198 people, including 128 Americans. This event caused public outrage in the United States and shifted public opinion towards intervention.

The Zimmerman Telegram

In 1917, the United States intercepted a secret message from Germany known as the Zimmerman Telegram. The telegram proposed an alliance between Germany and Mexico, with Germany promising to help Mexico regain territories lost to the United States in the Mexican-American War. This revelation further swayed public opinion and led to increased support for intervention.

The Economic Impact of the War

The United States had a significant economic stake in the war. American businesses were supplying goods and services to the Allied nations, and the war was creating a demand for American products. Additionally, the United States was providing loans to the Allies, which would eventually become a financial burden on the American economy. This economic interest in the war played a crucial role in the United States’ decision to join the conflict.

The Role of Woodrow Wilson

President Woodrow Wilson was a key figure in the United States’ decision to enter the war. He believed that the war was a struggle for democracy and that the United States had a moral obligation to support the Allies. Wilson’s Fourteen Points, a set of principles for peace, were intended to guide the post-war world order. These principles were widely supported by the American public and helped to justify the decision to enter the war.

The United States’ Military Contribution

When the United States finally entered the war in April 1917, it faced significant challenges. The American military was not as well-equipped or trained as the European forces. However, the United States quickly mobilized its resources and began to train and equip its troops. By the end of the war, the American Expeditionary Force (AEF) had become a significant force on the Western Front, contributing to the Allied victory.

The Legacy of U.S. Involvement

The United States’ entry into the First World War had a lasting impact on the nation. It marked the beginning of the United States’ role as a global power and set the stage for its future involvement in international affairs. The war also led to significant changes in American society, including the women’s suffrage movement and the end of racial segregation in the military.

Table: Key Events Leading to U.S. Entry into World War I