History Fact Finder | War and Conflict: Twentieth Century - How Did The United States Become Involved In World War I?

How did the United States become involved in World War I?

When World War I (1914–18) broke out in Europe in August 1914, Americans opposed sending U.S. troops into the conflict. U.S. President Woodrow Wilson (1856–1924) heeded public opinion and declared the country's neutrality (not favoring either side). As warfare continued and German tactics threatened civilian lives in Europe, however, Americans began siding with the Allies (Serbia, France, Great Britain, Russia, and twenty other nations).

After sinking the British passenger liner SS Lusitania, Germany adopted restricted submarine warfare. Early in 1917 the German navy began attacking American cargo boats, trying to provoke the United States into entering the war. Meanwhile, in an effort to force Britain to surrender, German U-boats (submarines) were positioning to cut off shipping to and from Britain. Tensions between the United...

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