Why Did America Join World War I?

World War I was a devastating war on everyone. It did help the American economy crawl out of the great depression, but our initial plan was to stay neutral. But with Germany constantly trying to pick a fight, we could see war coming sooner or later. Throughout 1915, several U.S. ships traveling to Great Britain were sunk by German mines. Not to mention that Germany pledged to the safety of passengers before sinking unarmed vessels, but in November sunk an Italian liner without warning, killing 27 Americans. Tension continued to grow between the United States and Great Britain, and Germany. In 1917, Germany announced the resumption of unrestricted warfare in war-zone waters. We prepared for war soon after. Germany wasn’t going to behave any
As support for the war grew, so did the American army. Citizens were tired of Germany, and wanted to fully help our allies, before any huge moves could be used against them. Many people knew the war would eventually have to end if America entered. The United States was looked up to as a stronger power out of many other countries. The total of 116,000 casualties were small compared to Germany or France. It was able to emerge from the conflict full of strength and reverted back to neutrality. After the war, the French, demanded reparations for their
In January 1918, before the end of World War I, President Woodrow Wilson had written a list of war aims which he called the "Fourteen Points." The Treaty of Versailles was included in them and was presented for German leaders to sign on May 7, 1919. It forced Germany to concede territories to Belgium, Czechoslovakia, and Poland. Article 231, also known as the "War Guilt Clause," forced Germany to accept responsibility for initiating World War I. It held Germany responsible for war damages and loss. France also wanted to include reparations. Without them, Germany may have had a faster recovery. They could rebuild their army faster and possibly retaliate against anyone they held a grudge