Question

Be able to name and define the 2 main reasons why the US entered WWI? -opinion- Was pres. Wilson justified in entering the war? Be able to explain your thoughts and back up with historical reasoning.

Answer 1

The United States entered World War I for two main reasons: unrestricted submarine warfare and the Zimmermann Telegram. Whether President Wilson was justified in entering the war is a matter of historical interpretation.

Step-by-step explanation:

The United States entered World War I for two main reasons:

1. Unrestricted submarine warfare: Germany's use of unrestricted submarine warfare, where they attacked any ship, including civilian ships, without warning, led to the sinking of several American merchant ships. This threatened American lives and violated the principle of freedom of the seas. As a result, the U.S. felt compelled to enter the war to protect its interests and ensure the safety of its citizens.
2. Zimmermann Telegram: The Zimmermann Telegram was a secret message sent by Germany to Mexico, proposing a military alliance against the United States. The interception and decoding of this message by the British and its subsequent publication outraged the American public and increased support for entering the war.