Question: “Discuss the causes of the United States’ entry into the First World War.” Flashcards
(9 cards)
Thesis
While German aggression (e.g. U-boat attacks, Zimmermann Telegram) sparked U.S. entry into WWI, deep-rooted economic ties to the Allies and Wilson’s ideological goals were equally decisive.
Proof 1
Unrestricted Submarine Warfare (Lusitania):
What was it?
In 1915 and again in 1917, Germany used U-boats (submarines) to sink ships without warning, including those with civilians.
Key event:
In May 1915, a German U-boat sank the RMS Lusitania, killing 1,198 people, including 128 Americans.
Why did it matter?
Sparked outrage in the U.S., framed Germany as barbaric, and shifted public opinion toward war — though Wilson waited until 1917 to act.
IB concept link:
A short-term military cause that challenged U.S. neutrality and raised questions of national honor and citizen protection.
Proof 2
Zimmermann Telegram (1917)
What was it?
A secret message sent by German Foreign Minister Arthur Zimmermann to Mexico in January 1917.
What did it say?
It proposed that Mexico join Germany in war against the U.S., promising to help Mexico reclaim Texas, Arizona, and New Mexico.
How did it reach the U.S.?
Intercepted by British intelligence and shared with the U.S. government, then leaked to the press.
Why did it matter?
It outraged the American public, confirming fears of a German threat close to home — helped justify war as defensive.
IB concept link:
A diplomatic trigger that undermined neutrality and linked foreign aggression to domestic security.
Proof 3
U.S. loans: $2.3B to Allies vs. $27M to Germany
What happened?
By 1917, U.S. banks had loaned $2.3 billion to the Allied powers, compared to just $27 million to Germany.
Why is this important?
A German victory would threaten the repayment of these massive loans — economic self-interest pushed the U.S. toward supporting the Allies.
Who supported this view?
Many revisionist historians argue that Wall Street pressure was a major driver of U.S. intervention.
IB concept link:
This is a long-term economic cause, showing how capitalist interests influenced U.S. foreign policy under the guise of neutrality.
Proof 4
Wilson’s “make the world safe for democracy”
What was the phrase?
In April 1917, President Woodrow Wilson told Congress the U.S. must enter WWI to “make the world safe for democracy.”
What did it mean?
He framed the war as a moral crusade — not about money or revenge, but about defending freedom and democratic values.
Why did it matter?
This rhetoric rallied domestic support, especially among Americans who were hesitant about getting involved in a European conflict.
IB concept link:
A short-term ideological justification that shows how moral language was used to legitimize war and align public opinion with foreign policy.
Proof 5
Cultural affinity with Britain and anti-German propaganda
Cultural affinity:
Many Americans felt closer to Britain due to shared language, legal systems, and democratic values. This made siding with the Allies feel more natural.
Anti-German propaganda:
U.S. and British media portrayed Germans as barbaric, highlighting events like the Rape of Belgium and Lusitania sinking to stir anger.
Why did it matter?
It shaped public perception of the war as a battle between civilization and brutality, helping justify intervention on moral grounds.
IB concept link:
A cultural and emotional factor that influenced the public narrative — essential for understanding how war support was manufactured.
Perspectives
Orthodox: Entry due to German threats
Revisionist: Driven by capitalism and banking interests
Eval. of perspectives
Balanced view shows war was about both national security and economic self-interest
IB Concept
Causation
