U.S.: From Neutral to Full Throttle
Reasons for U.S. entry into WWI
Overview
At the beginning of WWI the U.S. wanted no part in war and decided to remain a neutral party. However, this view quickly changed as certain events and actions led to their entry. A few of the major factors leading to America's involvement in the war were U-boats, the Zimmerman Telegram, and the sinking of the Lusitania.
U-Boats
U-boats are a German invention that came about during WWI. The invention itself, however, was not what made America go to war. The Germans used these boats to sink a private U.S ship which caused them to violate the rights held by a neutral party.
Zimmerman Telegram
The Zimmerman Letter was sent to Mexico from Germany asking them to reclaim the lands the U.S. took from them because Germany viewed America as part of the Triple Alliance. The U.S. did not recieve the letter immediately, however, as Britain waited to give it to them until the sinking of the Lusitania.
Sinking of the Lusitania
This was another violation of the Germans staying away from non-hostile ships and it was the last straw for the U.S. It was after the sinking of this ship that the British gave America the Zimmerman letter.
Election of 1916
Woodrow Wilson was elected in 1916 after promising to keep the country out of the war. He did not keep his promise as they entered the war a month after his election.
Why did the US join WWI