Essay about World War I.

Submitted By chittybangbang
Words: 594
Pages: 3

Entering World War I In the late 1800s and early 1900s, the United States of America has always been neutral during World War I. The United States traded with all of the countries battling in the war and did not cease until 1914. Although President Woodrow wanted to keep the peace, the entry of the United States into WWI was inevitable. The prevention of supply ships from the U.S. to Britain, investments with the French and British, and the Zimmerman note all helped the U.S. make its’ decision to join in World War I. The United States started out neutral but when Germany began sinking the U.S. ships, the U.S. knew that it was the last straw. First the Germans sank the Lusitania, which was a British transport ship. The supplied ship was bound for Britain from New York, but never made it there because of the Germans. The Germans planned to starve Britain by sinking all of the U.S. supply boats that were headed for Britain. Around 1200 people died, which included about 130 Americans. The sinking of Lusitania had a big impact on the decision making about entering World War I. The sinking of Lusitania was not the only leading factor causing the United States to enter World War I. The United States had large investments in France and Britain. The war had the two countries buying and borrowing supplies from the United States. If the two countries were to lose, it would mean economic suicide for the United States. France and Britain would not be able to pay back the United States, leading to an economic crash. France and Britain borrowed around two billion dollars, while Germany only borrowed only around 27 million dollars. Not only were the two countries financing the wars with the United States’ loans, but they were also buying very large amounts of weaponry from the United States on credit. Germany also purchased from the United States, but at a limited number. This issue led the United States into a corner, almost given no choice at all but to enter into the war. The sinking of Lusitania and the economic collapse did not compare to the Zimmerman telegraph in decision making. The Zimmerman telegraph set the United States ready for World War I. The