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US Joining the World War I
The reasons why the United States entered World War I can be summarized as follows -
Potential German threat
In 1917, as Germany implemented unrestricted submarine warfare, Germany began to attack and sink American civilian ships. This action poses a direct threat to the trade and security of the United States citizens and has aroused the righteous indignation of the American people. -
Zimmerman Telegram
In 1917, British intelligence intercepted a Zimmerman telegram in which Germany tried to distract U.S. military power by prompting Mexico to declare war on the United States. The plan was seen as a threat to U.S. national security and prompted more support for going to war. -
Democratic ideology
The United States' strong belief in democracy, freedom, and human rights led the U.S. government and people to favor the Allies and to want to uphold these values by entering the war. -
Economic benefits
The United States provided a lot of aid to its Allies during the war and made huge profits through the war. Entering the war not only helped to expand America's economic interests, but also to secure its future international influence.