1. Lusitania Sinking:
- In May 1915, a German U-boat sank the British passenger ship Lusitania off the coast of Ireland, resulting in the death of over 1200 passengers, including 128 Americans.
- This incident outraged public opinion in the United States and raised concerns about Germany's disregard for neutral rights.
2. Resumed Unrestricted Submarine Warfare:
- In early 1917, Germany announced its plans to resume unrestricted submarine warfare, targeting merchant ships of neutral countries, including the United States, without warning.
- This decision posed a direct threat to American neutrality and economic interests.
3. Zimmermann Telegram:
- In February 1917, British intelligence intercepted and decoded a telegram from German Foreign Secretary Arthur Zimmermann to the German ambassador in Mexico.
- The telegram proposed an alliance between Germany and Mexico if the United States entered the war on the side of the Allies. This revelation generated anger and alarm in the United States.
4. Russian Revolution:
- The February Revolution in Russia led to the overthrow of the Russian Tsar and the establishment of a provisional government.
- Russia, a significant Ally of France and Britain, was weakened as it grappled with internal upheavals.
- Wilson feared that an Allied defeat could result in a separate peace between Germany and Russia, giving Germany a dominant position in Europe.
5. Domestic Support:
- By early 1917, public sentiment in the United States had shifted in favor of joining the war on the side of the Allies.
- Pro-British sentiments, a desire to uphold democratic principles, and concerns about the future security of the country influenced public opinion.
6. Wilson's Vision for Peace:
- Wilson envisioned a peaceful and democratic world as expressed in his "Fourteen Points" peace proposal.
- Joining the war presented an opportunity for Wilson to shape the postwar world according to his ideals.
These factors ultimately convinced President Wilson that joining World War I was necessary to protect American interests, uphold democratic principles, and help create a more stable and peaceful world