Reasons for the Entry of the USA
History: KS3, topic 16.5.1
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.'
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.
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.
Test yourself on Reasons for the Entry of the USA
Why did the USA enter the First World War?
Who was Woodrow Wilson?