Why Did Woodrow Wilson Go To War?
Woodrow Wilson was the President of the United States during the 20th century. During this time, many nations were going to war with each other. Wilson’s job as a president was to protect his country from harm. He always advocated for peace and neutrality and didn't want to get the US involved in this mess. Little did he know, Wilson had a huge decision to make during his time as president. To go to war? or stay Neutral and quiet? There are many factors leading up to Wilson’s call for action and plea with the congress on getting involved in the war. Woodrow Wilson was one of the last progressive president’s standing. He wanted to improve situations in the country and resolve domestic issues going on. Financially, not joining the war really
benefited the country because factories could trade with all of the nations involved and send out supplies. Even though the US was “neutral” they couldn't send supplies to the Central Powers because Great Britain had a blockade, which prevented any supplies from going through. Germany in the war, decided to use their advanced technology regarding submarines to their advantages. German U-Boats, would sink down any ships coming in their way. This strategy wouldn't be such a bad thing if there wasn't a “freedom of the seas” rule. The US believed that because they are neutral, their ships should not be sunk and they can go “wherever they want, whenever they want”. At this point in the war the US was still not involved with any of the physical fighting going on. “Freedom of the seas” is a huge concern for America because they don't want their people dying. However, no matter how much the US declared its neutrality its citizens still ended up getting involved and killed. The British ship called the “Lusitania” was shot down and sunk, it’s significant to Wilson’s decision in joining the war because 128 Americans were killed along with the British passengers. After this incident the US
benefited the country because factories could trade with all of the nations involved and send out supplies. Even though the US was “neutral” they couldn't send supplies to the Central Powers because Great Britain had a blockade, which prevented any supplies from going through. Germany in the war, decided to use their advanced technology regarding submarines to their advantages. German U-Boats, would sink down any ships coming in their way. This strategy wouldn't be such a bad thing if there wasn't a “freedom of the seas” rule. The US believed that because they are neutral, their ships should not be sunk and they can go “wherever they want, whenever they want”. At this point in the war the US was still not involved with any of the physical fighting going on. “Freedom of the seas” is a huge concern for America because they don't want their people dying. However, no matter how much the US declared its neutrality its citizens still ended up getting involved and killed. The British ship called the “Lusitania” was shot down and sunk, it’s significant to Wilson’s decision in joining the war because 128 Americans were killed along with the British passengers. After this incident the US