Why Did the U.S. Enter World War I?

Much of Europe was caught in a horrific war that would later be called World War I in the early 1900s. The U.S. decided initially to stay out of the conflict, but as time went on, the increasing violence arising from this conflict began to impact Americans, their lives, their trade and their security.

There was a great deal of debate domestically about whether the U.S. should intervene in Europe's conflict at all, or should stay neutral and allow Europe to settle its own differences. 

Many of the citizens of the U.S. had differing views on whether or not the U.S. should become involved, but by 1917, the world events had changed dramatically to the point of the U.S. entering World War I and forever altering the U.S.'s place on the world stage.

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Why Did the U.S. Enter World War I?

1. Unrestricted Submarine Warfare

The Federal Government cited Germany's policy of engaging in unrestricted submarine warfare as a major contributing factor for U.S. involvement in WWI.

German U-boats began to sink ships in the Atlantic Ocean, which included vessels carrying US citizens and merchant goods.

The sinking of the RMS Lusitania, killing 128 American citizens in 1915, shocked the American people and increased anti-German sentiment.

2. The Zimmermann Telegram

The Zimmermann Telegram was intercepted by British intelligence in 1917, with this secret German communication to Mexico proposing the formation of an alliance against America, with the promise of Germany returning to Mexico territories that had been taken by the USA (Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona) had Germany won the war.

Americans were outraged at the news of the Zimmermann Telegram when it became public, and it intensified the support for the United States to enter World War I.

3. Economic Interests and Trade

The US had a significant economic relationship with the Allied Powers, especially with Britain and France. American banks and businesses had loaned other countries substantial amounts of money in support of the Allies. 

A German win would have significantly diminished America's economic interests.

4. Defense of Democracy

President Wilson contended that America's participation in World War I was required to "make the world safe for democracy." 

Wilson's perception was that the United States' participation could positively affect worldwide cooperation and promote democracy, while protecting democracies from totalitarianism.

5. Protection of National Security

Continued assaults on American vessels as well as threats made towards U.S land territory complicated efforts towards neutrality. 

Many prominent leaders held the opinion that engaging in warfare would ultimately be essential in order to ensure protection of sovereignty/national security.

Conclusion 

The U.S. participation in WWI began in 1917 due to German submarine attacks, the Zimmermann telegram, economic interests, and desire to protect democracy.

 Involvement in the conflict had a notable impact on the outcome of WWI as well as America's emergence as a rising global superpower.