Question

exit ticket
why did the united states get involved with world war i? provide at least 2 reasons that justified president wilson’s decision

Explanation:

1. The first key reason was the resumption of unrestricted submarine warfare by Germany in 1917. German U-boats began sinking merchant and passenger ships, including American vessels, without warning, which violated international maritime law and resulted in American civilian deaths.
2. The second reason was the interception of the Zimmermann Telegram. This secret German message to Mexico proposed an alliance: if Mexico joined Germany in the war, Germany would help Mexico reclaim territories (Texas, New Mexico, Arizona) from the U.S. This was seen as a direct threat to U.S. national security.

Answer:

1. Germany's unrestricted submarine warfare: Germany resumed attacks on all ships (including U.S. ones) in the Atlantic in 1917, killing American civilians and violating neutral rights.
2. The Zimmermann Telegram: A leaked German proposal to ally with Mexico to attack the U.S. and help Mexico reclaim lost U.S. territories, which was a direct national security threat that pushed the U.S. to declare war.