Written by Background
When World War I erupted in 1914, the United States, under President Woodrow Wilson, opted for neutrality. Many Americans believed that the conflict in Europe did not concern them. However, several events tested this position. Germany’s policy of unrestricted submarine warfare—targeting neutral ships—led to American deaths, especially with the 1915 sinking of the Lusitania. Tensions grew even more after the Zimmermann Telegram was intercepted, revealing Germany’s proposal for a military alliance with Mexico against the U.S.
As American ships continued to be sunk and the threat of German aggression loomed closer, public and political opinion began to shift. President Wilson, who had just won re-election on the slogan “He kept us out of war,” asked Congress to declare war.
What Happened
On April 6, 1917, Congress voted to declare war on Germany, officially entering the United States into World War I. President Wilson described the decision as essential for making the world “safe for democracy.” The Selective Service Act soon followed, drafting millions into military service.
The U.S. mobilized quickly, transforming its economy for wartime production. American troops arrived in Europe by mid-1917 and played a critical role in tipping the balance. Battles like the Meuse-Argonne Offensive helped break the stalemate, and U.S. involvement gave the exhausted Allied forces a much-needed advantage.
Impact for the Future
America’s entry into WWI marked the beginning of its role as a global power. The war boosted industrial production, opened jobs to women and African Americans, and sparked the Great Migration of Black workers to northern cities. Women’s critical roles on the home front helped pave the way for the 19th Amendment in 1920.
Although the Treaty of Versailles and the League of Nations failed to gain U.S. approval, Wilson’s vision of international cooperation influenced future efforts like the United Nations. Meanwhile, the war’s emotional and cultural impact resonated through American art, literature, and public consciousness for decades to come.