United States enters the conflict from "summary" of The Origins of the First World War by Annika Mombauer
The United States entered the conflict due to a combination of factors that gradually drew the country closer to the war. Initially, the United States maintained a policy of neutrality, as President Woodrow Wilson emphasized the importance of staying out of European conflicts. However, as the war continued and American interests became increasingly threatened, the country found it difficult to remain aloof. One key factor that pushed the United States towards the conflict was unrestricted submarine warfare conducted by Germany. The sinking of the Lusitania in 1915, which resulted in the deaths of American citizens, provoked outrage in the United States. Despite initial restraint, the continued attacks on American vessels by German submarines eroded American patience and contributed to a shift in public opinion towards intervention in the war. Another factor that played a role in the United States entering the conflict was economic interests. American businesses had significant investments in the Allied powers, and the prospect of losing these investments due to German aggression became a concern. Additionally, the United States had become a major supplier of war materials to the Allied powers, further intertwining American interests with the outcome of the war. Furthermore, cultural ties and ideological affinities also contributed to American involvement in the conflict. Many Americans identified with the democratic ideals of the Allies and viewed the war as a struggle between autocracy and democracy. Wilson himself believed that the United States had a moral duty to promote democracy and ensure a just peace in Europe.- A combination of factors, including German aggression, economic interests, and ideological affinities, led the United States to abandon its policy of neutrality and enter the conflict on the side of the Allies. The decision to join the war marked a significant turning point in American foreign policy and had far-reaching consequences for the course of the conflict.
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