Us Involvement In Ww1

United States of America Involvement in World War I

World War I, one of the worst war in history. Even though, that it was known as a dangerous time to many people, only some know how this war began. It was started when Europe at the time was at great tensions through competition in militarism, imperialism, and nationalism. But the war was started by an assassination. Archduke Francis Ferdinand, heir to the throne of Austria-Hungary and his wife, Sophie was assassinated, by Serb nationalist, Gavrilo Principal. Austria-Hungary was angry and declared on Serbia. Other countries joined in due to alliances. Germany, Bulgaria and Ottoman Empire allied with Austria – Hungary to form Central Powers. Russia allied with Serbia and other countries like

troops is the Zimmermann telegram. On the other hand, the U.S. was angry about American vessels and lives being taken by Germans. In the text, it states, “This incident fueled anti-German feeling in the United States. Throughout the coming war, German Americans faced nativist attacks, including anti-German speeches, discrimination, and physical attacks.” (Deverell, White) This hatred is shown in the political cartoon to the right, showing one of the reasons for war was clearly Germany attacking U.S. ships without warning. Germans sinking American ships and taking lives drove many to declare war. But, the thing that drove Americans to war, was the Zimmermann Note, it is a telegram sent by a German minister, Arthur Zimmermann to Mexico. It was intercepted by the British. The British gave it to America, in the note Germany proposed an alliance with Mexico. Germany would help Mexico regain areas that Mexico had lost during the Mexican – American War. Even though, Mexicans did not take the note seriously. America was enraged and President Wilson sent Congress a letter for war. In President Wilson speech to declare war against Germany, he says, “It is a fearful thing to lead this great peaceful people to war, into the most terrible and disastrous of all wars. But the right is more precious than peace, and we shall fight for things which we have always carried dearest to our hearts --- for democracy.”

helped the Allies before and after they entered the war. Before the war, since many immigrants came from countries in Central Powers and Allied Powers, they sympathized with their former countries. In the text, it states, “Merchants continued to trade with European nations. American ships carried supplies and war material to the Allies. U.S. banks invested two billion dollars in European bonds, nearly all of it in Allied countries.” (Deverell, White) Many Americans clearly supported the Allies sending them supplies, due to our long history with them. To add on, after the war, the U.S. continued to contribute to the Allied cause. The U.S. also contributed to the creation of the Treaty of Versailles. In the text, it states, “President Wilson traveled to Europe to attend the Paris Peace Conference, which was held at the palace of Versailles, outside of Paris. The leaders, called the Big Four’ ‘took control of the conference.” (Deverell, White) The Big Four is shown in the picture to the right it is made up of world leaders. The U.S. was part of the Big Four (made up of America, Italy, Britain, and France all Allied nations) and obviously had an impact on the result of the war. Therefore, the U.S. contributed to the Allied cause before and after the