USA HISTORY

AMERICAN IMPERIALISM(1890 1919)

THE UNITED STATES IN WORLD WAR I

[SOURCES]
Which of the following is NOT a reason why the United States decided to enter World War I?

(A) ** Written insult of President’s lack of courage

(B) Economic ties to Great Britain

(C) Sinking of the Lusitania and other merchant ships

(D) Zimmermannn Telegram

EXPLANATIONS BELOW

Concept note-1: -On April 2, President Wilson asked Congress to declare war against Germany specifically citing Germany’s renewed submarine policy as “a war against mankind. It is a war against all nations.” He also spoke about German spying inside the U.S. and the treachery of the Zimmermann Telegram.

Concept note-2: -Central Powers On August 4, as World War I erupted across Europe, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed America’s neutrality, stating the nation “must be neutral in fact as well as in name during these days that are to try men’s souls.” With no vital interests at stake, many Americans supported this position.

Concept note-3: -Why did the United States decide to enter World War I? The United States had suffered economically from European sanctions. A European nation had taken aggressive actions against the United States. The U.S. president was obligated to fulfill election campaign promises.

Concept note-4: -The impact of the United States joining the war was significant. The additional firepower, resources, and soldiers of the U.S. helped to tip the balance of the war in favor of the Allies. When war broke out in 1914, the United States had a policy of neutrality.