Summary
When World War I broke out in Europe in 1914, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the United States neutral and tried to keep the nation out of the war. Eventually, however, Wilson came to believe that Germany's use of submarines to prevent American cargoes from reaching Britain interfered with American rights. After Germany sank several U.S. ships, the president asked Congress to declare war in 1917, arguing that Germany had violated U.S. sovereignty. Many Americans opposed going to war, however, arguing that Wilson had provoked German actions and that the United States should not get involved in the overseas conflict. Should the United States enter World War I or remain neutral?
This eBook examines U.S. involvement in World War I and delves into the pro and con arguments that surrounded it. It includes a timeline, primary sources, a bibliography, a "Learn More About" chapter with more information on the topic, and a "What If" chapter speculating on what might have happened had the United States pursued a different course during World War I.