There were a few key events that ultimately led to the United States entering World War I after three years of neutrality:
1. The sinking of the Lusitania: In 1915, a German U-boat sank the British passenger ship Lusitania, killing nearly 1,200 people, including 128 Americans. This event significantly swayed public opinion in the United States against Germany and increased pressure on the government to take action.
2. The Zimmerman Telegram: In 1917, British intelligence intercepted a telegram from the German government to Mexico, in which Germany proposed an alliance with Mexico against the United States. The Zimmermann Telegram further outraged the American public and played a significant role in pushing the United States towards entering the war.
3. Economic ties with allies: The United States had strong economic ties with the Allied Powers, particularly Britain and France. As the war continued, American financial interests became increasingly entangled with those of the Allies, making it more difficult for the U.S. to remain neutral.
4. German unrestricted submarine warfare: In early 1917, Germany resumed unrestricted submarine warfare, sinking numerous American merchant ships. This action violated international law and directly threatened American lives and interests, ultimately prompting the United States to declare war on Germany on April 6, 1917.
what caused the united states to enter world war I after three years of neutrality
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