Americans found themselves unable to remain neutral after a series of events made involvement seem inevitable.
Reasons for U.S. Involvement in WWI
Event
1- U.S. Economic and
political ties to
Great Britain
2- Unrestricted German
Submarine Warfare
Sinking of Lusitania
(Part of #2)
3- The Zimmermann
Telegram
4- United States
inability to remain
neutral, enters the
war in April 1917
Details
Although the United States vowed to remain neutral
we were aiding both the Central Powers and the
Allies. Both sides were sending us propaganda
messages. However, the United States was sending
more supplies to the Allies. The Central Powers were
aware of this.
To stop American aid to Britain, Germany announced
in February, 1915 that it would use its U-boats to sink
any vessel that entered or left British ports. President
Wilson warned that America would hold Germany
responsible for any American lives lost in the
submarine attacks. Determined to cut off supplies to
Great Britain, the Germans ignored this threat.
On May 7, 1915, a German U-boat torpedoed the
British passenger liner Lusitania off the coast of
Ireland. More than 1,000 people died including 128
United States citizens. President Wilson denounced
the attack. Americans were outraged.
In late February, 1917, German foreign minister,
Arthur Zimmermann, sent a telegram to Mexico with
an offer to the Mexican government. Germany
promised to help Mexico regain New Mexico,
Arizona, and Texas if Mexico would aid Germany in
the war. Mexico said “NO.” A few weeks later, the
secret telegram was intercepted by the British
government and set off another wave of anti-German
feeling. Newspapers published the “Zimmerman
Telegram” on March 1 and Americans reacted angrily
to the German action.
Dramatic events pushed the United States to the brink
of war.
First, a revolution took place in Russia. Many
Americans believed that the new Russian government
(now democratic), which vowed to defeat Germany,
would help the allies.
Second: Between March 12 and 19, 1917 the German
U-boats attacked and sank four American merchant
ships without warning.
Finally On April 2, 1917 President Wilson asked
Congress to declare war on Germany “…to make the
world safe for democracy.”