why did the US enter WWI
The United States entered World War I primarily because of Germany's unrestricted submarine warfare and the Zimmermann Telegram.
1. Unrestricted Submarine Warfare: Germany began targeting and sinking American merchant ships that were supplying goods to Britain, France, and other Allied powers. The sinking of the British passenger ship Lusitania in 1915, which resulted in the deaths of 128 Americans, heightened anti-German sentiment in the United States.
2. Zimmermann Telegram: In 1917, the British intercepted and decoded a message known as the Zimmermann Telegram, sent by Germany's Foreign Secretary Arthur Zimmermann to Mexico. The telegram proposed a military alliance between Germany and Mexico, with the promise of recovering lost territories (Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona) if Mexico joined the war against the United States. When the contents of the telegram were made public, it further mobilized public opinion against Germany and led to the entry of the United States into the war.
3. Defense of Democracy: President Woodrow Wilson, who initially sought to keep the United States out of the war, framed America's entry as a defense of democracy and the principles of freedom. He argued that the United States needed to join the war to make the world "safe for democracy" and ensure a lasting peace.
4. Economic and Financial Interests: The United States had significant economic and financial ties with the Allied powers, particularly Britain. Ensuring the survival of these trading partners and protecting American economic interests played a role in the decision to join the war.
It is important to note that these factors, among others, contributed to the United States' decision to enter World War I. The reasons for American involvement were complex and multifaceted.