The United States of America Neutrality During World War 1

During the early twentieth century, the world witnessed a massive revival of technology and political thought. This uproar was not caused by a person or by any president, but by the assassination of the heir of the Austro-Hungarian throne by a Serb nationalist. Turmoil spewed into not just a local scrimmage, but a world war. World War 1 was the first war in the world to utilize modernized weaponry such as mustard gas, submarines, and other new technologies. The two combating powers known as the Triple Alliance (Germany, Austria-Hungary, and the Ottoman Empire) and the Triple Entente (Great Britain, France, Russia, Italy, and Japan) squared off for a 4 year battle on much of the Eastern Hemisphere. The United States were soon looked at as the odd-balls of war. Neglecting to pick a side until early 1917, most members of the Central Alliance would risk anything to make sure the Untied States of America did not get involved in one of the greatest wars mankind has every witnesses. The Central Powers tried political tactics like, the Zimmerman Note and even social means like, unrestricted submarine warfare by Germany. When Word War 1 broke out, the United States was neutral at the start, but was pulled into the conflict by a surge in imperialism, the threat of losing an economic relationship with the Allies, and public nationalism.



The gush of imperialism for the American government had been plaguing its survival ever sense the late nineteenth century. With the induction of Woodrow Wilson and the beginning of World War 1, it was his duty to fight for the well being of other countries to preserve democracy. Democracy through the eyes of Wilson’s fourteen points was the ability for the world to have open seas. As seen in, (Doc. I) Germany had begun the opposite as its military might or “Python” had halted America’s missionary work. The Americans had stayed neutral up to that point, avoiding international turmoil altogether, but when the actions of other countries started to make short work of American imperialism, Wilson had to make a choice. “Neutrality depends on citizens” (Doc. A). Showed that Wilson’s next move did not only depend on the actions of neighboring countries but the neighbors within his own boundaries, the citizens of the United States of America. The vessels that had crossed Germany’s waters were being destroyed and devastated even with regard to the Sussex pledge and Gore-Mclemore Resolution. “Only one course action” (Doc. G), which for Woodrow Wilson meant siding with the allies during World War 1.



Wilson had passed America’s first test, if he would rally with public opinion but now a new challenge was developing along the horizon. These challenges however made his decision much easier. Allied forces including Britain were attempting to keep American ships out of the German line of sight (Doc. C). Even if Wilson decided with neutrality he would leave with the guilt that if he had entered war. With international power-houses on his side the war would quickly be resolved. Germany were doing nothing but toying with the Americans to eliminate them as political competition during the war (Doc. E). American ships were being sunk by the Germans including that of the Lusitania, which proved to be carrying contraband to the Allied forces, (Doc. F). The American people had dodged the political bullet, but the economic one was in quick pursuit.



Wilson in some respects was never neutral in his approach. The Germans had discovered that Wilson and his men were supplying Allied forces with surplus goods since the get-go (Doc. D). The War Industries, Food Administration, and the War Labor boards had already made up America’s mind to enter the war on the side of the Allies. Siding with anything but the Allies would have severed all economic ties with the Easter hemisphere sending America back into the Dark Ages. It seemed like Wilson would have to embrace the imperialist ideals of his predecessors and fight the good fight, to secure democracy for everyone.



George Creel and his Committee of Public Opinion had opened his people’s eyes to the demoralizing affects of what being a Germany supporter meant. He in addition to Congress assisted in developing media of all shapes and sizes from posters, to movies, and slogans to help Wilson’s decision a little bit easier still. Nationalism had indeed been a prime cause of the start of World War 1, how could it not influence American involvement in the war as well? “How come neutrality” (Doc. B.), was the phrase on everyone’s mind as the 3rd year of the war drew closer. The Pro-British and Anti-German American demeanor persuaded Wilson to declare war on the Central powers on April 4th, 1917. With his decision Wilson ceased to promote “U.S.A. neutral” (Doc. H), as the United States of America entered the war to end all wars.



During World War 1 the United States was neutral at the start but was persuaded to enter the conflict for a couple of reasons. America had strong roots with neighboring British allies and strong economic ties as well. Their once hated enemy could have been their main reason for abandoning their once loved idea of neutrality. Wilson’s universal cooperation could have also been to blame. No matter the immediate cause, the Americans had helped when a war in which Adolf Hitler was involved and would strike again to avenge his Nazi brethren.