The United States initially declared neutrality when World War One broke out in Europe in August 1914. President Woodrow Wilson aimed for the nation to remain “impartial in thought as well as in action.” However, this position became increasingly difficult to maintain as events overseas directly impacted America. By 1917, the idea of isolation was no longer viable, and in April, President Wilson requested Congress’s approval to declare war. Several factors contributed to this significant shift in American foreign policy. Here are three primary reasons why the United States ultimately entered World War I:
Unrestricted Submarine Warfare and the Sinking of the Lusitania
In early 1915, Germany adopted a policy of unrestricted submarine warfare in the Atlantic Ocean. This strategy meant that German U-boats would attack and sink merchant ships without warning. This aggressive approach directly threatened American lives and interests. A pivotal event that galvanized public opinion in the U.S. was the sinking of the RMS Lusitania. On May 1, 1915, the Lusitania departed from New York en route to Liverpool. On May 7th, it was tragically torpedoed by a German U-boat off the coast of Ireland. Out of the 1,962 passengers on board, 1,198 perished, including 128 Americans. The loss of American lives on the Lusitania ignited widespread outrage across the United States, significantly turning public sentiment against Germany and pushing the nation closer to war.
The Influence of Propaganda and “Remember Belgium!”
Germany’s invasion of neutral Belgium in 1914 played a crucial role in shaping American public opinion. Following the invasion, numerous accounts of atrocities committed by German soldiers against Belgian civilians began to circulate. These stories, while some were exaggerated or fabricated as propaganda, effectively portrayed the Germans as barbaric and ruthless aggressors. “Atrocity propaganda” became widespread, depicting Germany as a nation intent on indiscriminate destruction and brutality. This propaganda campaign resonated strongly in the United States, fueling anti-German sentiment and fostering support for the Allied cause. The cry “Remember Belgium!” became a potent rallying slogan, symbolizing German aggression and solidifying the perception of Germany as a moral enemy.
American Economic Interests and Loans to the Allies
The United States also had significant economic interests tied to the outcome of World War I. American businesses and banks had provided substantial loans to the Allied nations, particularly Great Britain and France. If the Allies were to lose the war, there was a considerable risk that these loans would not be repaid, leading to significant financial losses for American institutions. This economic entanglement created a vested interest in an Allied victory. Beyond loans, American industries were also profiting from supplying war materials to the Allies. A German victory, or even a stalemate, could disrupt these profitable trade relationships and negatively impact the American economy. Protecting these economic interests became another compelling reason for the United States to consider abandoning neutrality and entering the war on the side of the Allies.
In conclusion, the decision of the United States to enter World War I was a complex one, driven by a combination of factors. German unrestricted submarine warfare, particularly the sinking of the Lusitania, outraged the American public and challenged U.S. neutrality. Propaganda highlighting German atrocities in Belgium swayed public opinion further against Germany. Finally, significant American economic investments in the Allied nations created a strong financial incentive for the U.S. to ensure an Allied victory. These three reasons combined ultimately led the United States to abandon its neutral stance and join the global conflict in 1917.
