What Caused Wilson Change In Opinion To Enter WW1

3 Pages 695 Words

There were many reasons for the United States involvement in the War, but Germany’s great desire for more power and global influence is the most evident. “Militarism was another cause of the war, it was similar to the arms race of today, because Britain had a great navy, Germany wanted a great navy too. Germany and France competed for larger armies. The more one nation built up its army and navy, the more other nations felt they had to do the same.” At the start of the war, President Wilson declared neutrality of the United States and most Americans opposed US involvement in the European war. Not only was the US culturally similar to Great Britain and France, but these two countries where our major trade partners. The US understood that if the Allies lost the war, it would have a tremendous effect on our economy. This is why America began to see Germany as the “enemy”.
A declaration of war was partially brought about by the sinking of the Lusitania in May 1915 and later merchant ships such as the City of Memphis, Illinois and Vigilancia. In 1916 a passenger ship named the Sussex was sunk and a so called “Sussex Pledge”.On these ships were Americans, this unexpected sneak attack is known as unrestricted submarine warfare. Wilsons first attempts to mitigate the situation was through the “Lusitania notes”. These notes basically said, end the submarine warfare or else. One note that went to Berlin stated “The Imperial Government will not expect the United States to omit any word or any act necessary to the performance of its sacred duty of maintaining the rights of the United States and its citizens and of safeguarding their free exercise and enjoyment”. After a second “Lusitania note” was sent Germany came to a compromise, expressed regret and offered to pay for their attack. Wilson’s mediation was still not favored by the Germans (or Britain) they wanted a solid victory, especially since they felt they ha...