Why does the United States abandon its policy of neutrality get drawn into World War I?

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Ingrid Salas

21 May, 21:28

Why does the United States abandon its policy of neutrality get drawn into World War I?

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Izabelle Stein · Answer 1

The United States began to profit at the expense of the World War I. In a short space of time, European nations needed huge amounts of food and weapons for the conflict. Even though it remained neutral, for the sake of interest and affinity, the US government exported its products only to the nations that belong to the Triple Entente.

The solidary behavior of the USA soon deepened, especially when we observed the borrowing of financial resources for the war in Europe. Until that moment, the conflict was becoming a very profitable and beneficial event for the American economy. In the political sphere, the United States hoped that the nation could become even stronger by possibly assuming the status of intermediary in peace treaties.

Such projections would change course in 1917. In that year, the Russians abandoned the Triple Entente with the development of the Russian Revolution. For the central powers, this would be the ideal opportunity to win the conflict. It was not by chance that the Germans set in motion a bold plan to attack vessels supplying England with supplies and weapons. In this context, North American ships were targeted by German submarines.

At that time, American neutrality became unsustainable for two fundamental reasons. First, because the loss of vessels represented a clear provocation that demanded a more incisive response from the American government. Furthermore, the departure of the Russians increased the risk of the Triple Entente being defeated and, consequently, of the American bankers not receiving the enormous amounts of money lent to countries at war.

On April 6, 1917, the United States declared war on the Germans and their allies. A large volume of soldiers, tanks, ships and warplanes were used to ensure the Entente's victory was assured. Before long, German and Austrian troops were defeated. In November 1918, the Compiègne armistice arranged for the Germans to withdraw and the Triple Entente to win quickly.