Introduction

War started from 28 july 1914 - 11 November 1918

Background Before joining the world war 1

Before joining World War I, the United States underwent a series of developments and
events that shaped its background and ultimately led to its entry into the war.

1. Neutrality: When the war erupted in Europe in 1914, the United States initially adopted a
policy of neutrality. President Woodrow Wilson was reelected in 1916 with the slogan "He
kept us out of war," reflecting the desire of many Americans to stay out of the conflict.

2. Economic Interests: Despite its neutrality, the United States had significant economic
ties with both the Allies (such as Britain and France) and the Central Powers (led by
Germany). American banks had provided loans to the Allies, and the American industry was
profiting from supplying goods to countries at war.

3. Submarine Warfare: Germany's use of unrestricted submarine warfare, which involved

4. Zimmerman Telegram: In 1917, the British intercepted and decoded a telegram sent by
Germany's Foreign Secretary, Arthur Zimmermann, to the Mexican government. The
Zimmerman Telegram proposed an alliance between Germany and Mexico if the United
States entered the war, potentially leading to Mexico regaining lost territories in the
American Southwest. The revelation of this telegram further turned American sentiment
against Germany.

5. Cultural Ties: Many Americans had cultural ties to the nations involved in the war,
particularly those of European descent. This connection, along with growing sympathy for
the suffering of Allied countries, influenced public opinion in favor of intervention.

6. Wilson's Idealism: President Woodrow Wilson, a strong advocate for peace, eventually
shifted his stance and argued for American entry into the war to "make the world safe for
democracy." Wilson sought to promote his vision of a post-war world order based on his
Fourteen Points, which included principles like national self-determination and collective
security.

Ultimately, these factors contributed to the United States' decision to enter World War I in
April 1917, with a declaration of war against Germany.

previous year question

The U.S. entry into the war had several consequences that contributed to its eventual
rise as a global superpower

1. Economic Expansion: World War I provided a boost to the U.S. economy as American
industries supplied goods and resources to the war-torn European nations. The war created
a high demand for American products, leading to increased industrial production, exports,
and economic growth. This economic expansion laid the foundation for the United States to
emerge as a dominant global economic power.

2. Rise of American Influence: The war's outcome significantly weakened the European
powers, particularly Britain and France, who had been the dominant global powers before
the war. The United States, on the other hand, experienced relatively fewer casualties and
emerged from the conflict with its economy intact. This relative strength increased American
influence on the global stage as the United States became a major creditor nation and a
leading voice in shaping the post-war world order.

3. Wilson's Fourteen Points: President Woodrow Wilson played a crucial role in shaping
the post-war order through his Fourteen Points, a set of principles aimed at establishing
lasting peace and preventing future conflicts. Wilson's ideas, which included concepts such
as national self-determination and the establishment of a League of Nations, reflected a
vision of a more democratic and cooperative world order. Although the United States
ultimately did not join the League of Nations, Wilson's ideas influenced the formation
of international institutions that would shape global politics in the decades to come.

4. Shift in Global Power Dynamics: The war significantly weakened the traditional
European powers and accelerated the decline of the British and French empires. The United
States, on the other hand, experienced a surge in power and influence, positioning itself as a
leading player in international affairs. This shift in global power dynamics allowed the United
States to exert its influence on various fronts, including economic, political, and military.

The war had significant consequences for the global balance of power. It weakened
traditional European powers like Germany, Austria-Hungary, and the Ottoman Empire, while
the United States experienced a period of economic growth and expansion. The war also led
to the reconfiguration of territories and the redrawing of borders, which indirectly affected the
global balance of power.
The United States' growing economic strength, fueled by industrialization and its position as
a creditor nation, further bolstered its influence in the post-war era. The country became a
major lender to war-torn nations, allowing it to shape their post-war reconstruction and
economic policies. This economic leverage, along with its military capabilities, contributed to
the United States' rising global prominence.

However, it is important to note that the aftermath of World War I did not lead to a sustained
period of global democracy or a complete end to imperialism. The war led to significant
geopolitical changes, but it also left unresolved tensions and unresolved issues, which
ultimately contributed to the outbreak of World War II.

For example, the issue of the Alsace-Lorraine region between France and Germany
remained unresolved, causing continued tensions. Similarly, the Balkan region experienced
ongoing disputes over borders and ethnic rivalries.

Treaty of Versailles: The peace settlement imposed harsh terms on Germany, including
massive reparations, territorial losses, and limitations on its military. These terms created a
sense of resentment and humiliation in Germany, which contributed to the rise of Adolf Hitler
and the subsequent outbreak of World War II.

Historiography

Arthur Link

According to Link, the U.S. decision to join the war was driven by economic motivations,
such as protecting American loans to the Allied powers and securing access to European
markets. Link argued that the war allowed the United States to emerge as a major global
power, both economically and politically, setting the stage for its future hegemony.

Charles A. Beard

Beard believed that the U.S. entry into World War I was primarily influenced by the interests
of the American capitalist class. He argued that American businesses, particularly those
involved in arms manufacturing and financial sectors, sought to protect their economic
investments in Europe. Beard saw the war as a pivotal moment when big business interests
began to shape U.S. foreign policy, which eventually contributed to the country's hegemonic
position in the post-war era.

Michael H. Hunt.
His perspective on the U.S. entry into World War I and its impact on hegemony focuses on
ideas and ideology. Hunt argues that Woodrow Wilson, the U.S. president at the time,
viewed the war as an opportunity to promote his vision of a new world order based on
democratic principles. Wilson's idealistic goals, as outlined in his Fourteen Points, aimed to
establish a liberal international order that would enhance American influence and cement its
hegemonic position in the 20th century.