The United States was justified in joining World War I due to Germany's unrestricted submarine warfare, the Zimmermann Telegram, and the desire to spread democracy and protect American economic interests, despite arguments that neutrality was the best course of action.
World War I was a global conflict that lasted from 1914 to 1918 and involved many of the world's major powers. The war was triggered by a series of events, including the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary by a Serbian nationalist. Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia, and soon thereafter, other nations joined the conflict. President Woodrow Wilson initially declared neutrality for the United States, but events such as the sinking of the Lusitania
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Some individuals believed that the United States should remain neutral, while others argued that it was necessary to join the war. The United States' decision to enter World War I was justified based on several factors. First, Germany's unrestricted submarine warfare caused the deaths of numerous American citizens. According to a primary source from the Library of Congress, the Germans sank the Lusitania in 1915, killing over a hundred Americans. The sinking of this ship was a significant reason for the United States' decision to enter the war. Additionally, the British intercepted the Zimmermann Telegram, which proposed a German-Mexican alliance and the potential loss of American territory. This telegram which was shown a primary source from the National Archives and Records Administration. The telegram demonstrated Germany's disregard for American neutrality and security, making it clear that the United States had to take …show more content…
President Wilson's Declaration of Neutrality was not enough to protect American citizens and interests. According to a primary source from the Brigham Young University Library, Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia in 1914, marking the beginning of the war. President Wilson attempted to remain neutral in the conflict, but as evidence suggests, neutrality was no longer an option due to Germany's actions. Moreover, a video from Britannica.com features a reenactment of Edward Grey's address to the British Parliament in August 1914, where he argues that neutrality was not a practical solution because of Germany's aggressive actions. The evidence suggests that the United States was justified in entering the war due to the impossibility of maintaining neutrality and the need to protect American citizens and