Question

Which events helped the United States decide to enter World War I? Check all that apply.

Germany resuming unrestricted submarine warfare
Germany invading Mexico
the Lusitania sinking
the Zimmerman Telegram’s interception
Russia’s communist revolution

Answer 1

Select:
- Germany resuming unrestricted submarine warfare — yes (it threatened American ships and passengers; Germany’s 1917 policy provoked U.S. entry).
- the Lusitania sinking — yes (1915 sinking shifted U.S. public opinion against Germany).
- the Zimmerman Telegram’s interception — yes (Germany’s proposal to Mexico helped push the U.S. to war).

Do not select:
- Germany invading Mexico — no (this never happened).
- Russia’s communist revolution — no (the Bolshevik/communist revolution occurred after the U.S. declaration of war and did not prompt it; the earlier February 1917 overthrow of the czar — not a communist revolution — did make joining the Allies more politically palatable).