Although the assignation of Archduke Ferdinand ignited World War 1 in July, 1914, the underlying foreign policies differences caused it. From the onset of the war, President Wilson declared the United States neutral. This declaration was made to 63rd Congress on August 19, 1914. Wilson stated, “The effect of the war upon the United States will depend upon what American citizens say and do. Every man who really loves America will act and speak in the true spirit of neutrality, which is the spirit of impartiality and fairness and friendliness to all concerned.” Wilson expressed an understanding that many US citizens had strong ties to the countries engaged in the war raging in Europe. Wilson shared his desire that our Nation be seen as a “Nation
…show more content…
Within days, another American ocean liner, the Housatonic was sunk. In February, German Foreign Minister, Arthur Zimmerman sent a telegram to Mexico that was intercepted and decoded by Britain. The telegraph suggested to Mexico that if the US declared war on Germany, Mexico should declare war on the United States. In return for Mexico’s support, Mexico would get back the territory lost in the Mexican-American War. That territory included the states of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. Britain wasted no time in giving the telegram to the United States. The Zimmerman telegraph was published for all Americans to see. They were incensed and caused the American public opinion to support the United States entrance into the war with Germany and their allies. These events pushed the United States quickly prepare for war starting with Congress passing a $250 million arms appropriation …show more content…
With the war already four years in, the United States entrance with its well supplied and equipped troops helped the Allies win the war ending November 11, 1918.
In summary, the United States declared itself neutral but still realized the magnitude of World War I could spill out of Europe and affect us as a Nation. The following events caused the American people’s opinion to shaft from being neutral to demanding entrance into the war. The greatest persuader for the American people was German’s invasion of neutral country of Belgium and stories of German cruelties against its people including the killing unarmed civilians and destruction of small towns shocked and outraged Americans. The second reason for the United States to entry the war was America’s economic interests. There was a perceived need for American raw materials and markets for goods produced. The war effected that trade opportunities. Also, there were billions loaned by Captains of Industry in support to the Allies so unless the Allies won the war they would be unable to
Within days, another American ocean liner, the Housatonic was sunk. In February, German Foreign Minister, Arthur Zimmerman sent a telegram to Mexico that was intercepted and decoded by Britain. The telegraph suggested to Mexico that if the US declared war on Germany, Mexico should declare war on the United States. In return for Mexico’s support, Mexico would get back the territory lost in the Mexican-American War. That territory included the states of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. Britain wasted no time in giving the telegram to the United States. The Zimmerman telegraph was published for all Americans to see. They were incensed and caused the American public opinion to support the United States entrance into the war with Germany and their allies. These events pushed the United States quickly prepare for war starting with Congress passing a $250 million arms appropriation …show more content…
With the war already four years in, the United States entrance with its well supplied and equipped troops helped the Allies win the war ending November 11, 1918.
In summary, the United States declared itself neutral but still realized the magnitude of World War I could spill out of Europe and affect us as a Nation. The following events caused the American people’s opinion to shaft from being neutral to demanding entrance into the war. The greatest persuader for the American people was German’s invasion of neutral country of Belgium and stories of German cruelties against its people including the killing unarmed civilians and destruction of small towns shocked and outraged Americans. The second reason for the United States to entry the war was America’s economic interests. There was a perceived need for American raw materials and markets for goods produced. The war effected that trade opportunities. Also, there were billions loaned by Captains of Industry in support to the Allies so unless the Allies won the war they would be unable to