16.5.1

Reasons for the Entry of the USA

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Reasons for the Entry of the USA

For most of the First World War, the USA resisted entering the conflict. It eventually became invested in victory and joined the war because it was funding allies.

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Background

  • The USA had been traditionally isolationist (stayed out of the affairs of other nations).
  • In 1823 AD, US president James Monroe said, in what is now called the Monroe Doctrine:
    • 'In the wars of the European powers… we have never taken part, nor does it comport [fit] with our policy, so to do.'
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Reasons for entering

  • As the Allies came to owe America billions of dollars, the USA became invested in an Allied victory.
  • But as the USA began to hear of German atrocities in Europe and their deliberate attack on the Lusitania (a British passenger ship) in 1915 AD, public opinion was increasingly hostile to Germany.
  • In 1916 AD, another passenger ship, the Sussex was sunk. Woodrow Wilson, the US President, then issued an ultimatum to Germany.
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Trigger for entering

  • Germany's unrestricted submarine warfare directly affected American merchants.
  • The Zimmermann Telegram was the final straw for the US.
  • The telegram was sent in 1917 AD by the German Foreign Minister.
  • It promised Mexico territory lost in the Mexican-American War if it joined the German cause.
    • The British intercepted the telegram.

Jump to other topics

1Empires East & West: 1000 AD

1.1The Rise & Fall of Ancient China’s Empire

1.2The Medieval Greatness of the Byzantine Empire

1.3The Golden Age of the Islamic Empire

1.4The Politics & Power of the Holy Roman Empire

1.5Medieval Religion

1.6The Influence of the Church in Medieval Times

1.7How Religion Tested the Power of Kings

1.8Dynastic Challenges to Medieval Monarchs

1.9Challenges to Medieval Monarchs

1.10Revolts, Rebellions & Rights

1.11Medieval England & Her Neighbours

1.12European Renaissance

1.13Norman Conquest & Control

1.14Historical Skills

2The Medieval World: 450-1450 AD

2.1Anglo-Saxon England

2.2The Contest for the English Throne

2.3Conquering the Holy Land, 10-96-1396 AD

2.4King John

2.5The Magna Carta & Parliament

2.6The Black Death

3Worldviews

4The Empire of Mali: 1076-1670 AD

5The Renaissance & Reformations: 1500-1598 AD

6The British Empire: 1583-1960 AD

7The Peasants' Revolt: 1381 AD

8Religion in the Middle Ages

9Slavery: 1619-1833 AD

10The English Civil War: 1642-1660 AD

11The Industrial Revolution: 1750-1840 AD

12US Independence: 1775-1783 AD

13The French Revolution: 1789-1815 AD

14The British Empire: 1857–1930 AD

15Suffrage: 1840-1928 AD

16World War 1: 1914-1918 AD

17The Inter-War Years: 1919-1939 AD

18World War 2: 1939-1945 AD

19The Cold War: 1947-1962 AD

20Civil Rights in the USA: 1954-1975 AD

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