World War 1 - Assignment Example

World War I America, initially, did not want to enter the war because the US had immigrants from varied nationalities such as Britain, France, Germany and many parts of the Europe. In such circumstances, it was quite obvious that most progressive leaders were against going into the war. Neutrality was considered a best option; however, with Britain imposing a naval blockade, the US was pushed closer to the Allies in its trade relations. Submarine warfare also fueled the fire. The most crucial event that forced the US to enter into the war was the message sent by Arthur Zimmermann, Germanys foreign secretary to the minister in Mexico City.

The message promised them the German help in regaining New Mexico, the lost territory of Texas, and Arizona if they helped and joined the Central Powers in the war. Meanwhile, German U-boats continued to attack and sink American ships without any warning during March 1917. This forced Wilson to take consent of Congress to plunge into the war to protect the country’s interests. Wilson convinced the people of America that though nation did not have any selfish motive behind going into the war but this was necessary to protect the democratic systems in the Europe.

That is how the US declared war on April 6, 1917 against the Germany. It was certainly in the interest of the US to plunge into the war as not only its trade rights but the lives of its citizens were at stake. As a sovereign state, it was its right to safeguard its people through counter action. BibliographyHenretta, J. A. and David Brody, "The Creation of American Society: 1450-1763," in America: A Concise History, Volume I, 4th ed., Boston: Bedford/St. Martin’s“Wilsons War Message to Congress”.

Brigham Young University. Accessed December 24, 2012 http://wwi.lib.byu.edu/index.php/Wilsons_War_Message_to_Congress