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What finally brought the United States in to world War 1,ending its policy of neutrality?

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The United States entered World War I, effectively ending its policy of neutrality, for several key reasons:

  1. Unrestricted Submarine Warfare: Germany's resumption of unrestricted submarine warfare in early 1917 significantly escalated tensions. German U-boats targeted not only military vessels but also civilian ships, leading to the sinking of several American merchant vessels and contributing to American casualties.

  2. The Sinking of the Lusitania: Though this incident occurred in 1915, it had lasting implications. The sinking of the British ocean liner RMS Lusitania by a German U-boat resulted in the deaths of 128 Americans and stirred public outrage against Germany.

  3. The Zimmermann Telegram: In January 1917, British intelligence intercepted and decrypted a secret telegram from German Foreign Minister Arthur Zimmermann to Mexico, proposing a military alliance between Germany and Mexico in the event that the U.S. entered the war. The telegram promised Mexico the territories of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. When the British shared this information with the U.S. government in March 1917, it incited public anger against Germany.

  4. Economic Interests: The U.S. had strong economic ties with the Allied Powers, especially Britain and France. American banks and businesses had invested heavily in Allied nations and were concerned that an Allied defeat could jeopardize these investments. As the war continued, the U.S. economically benefited from supplying the Allies with war materials.

  5. Cultural and Political Ties: Many Americans had cultural and familial ties to Europe, particularly with Britain and France. The Allies were generally seen in a more favorable light compared to the Central Powers (Germany and Austria-Hungary), leading to a growing public sentiment favoring involvement on the side of the Allies.

Taken together, these factors culminated in President Woodrow Wilson's decision to ask Congress for a declaration of war against Germany on April 2, 1917, marking the official entry of the United States into World War I.