1. Financial Support: The United States provided extensive loans to the Allied Powers. From 1914 to 1917, the American banking system lent over $2 billion to the Allied governments. These loans were crucial in helping the Allies sustain their military efforts.
2. Trade and Munitions: The United States became a vital supplier of food, raw materials, and war-related products to the Allies. American factories produced large quantities of weapons, ammunition, vehicles, and other supplies that were shipped to Europe. The Allies had difficulty meeting their own supply demands due to the demands of the war, making American support crucial.
3. Humanitarian Aid: American individuals and organizations provided humanitarian assistance to the war-torn regions of Europe. Relief efforts included sending food, clothing, medical supplies, and donations to aid civilians and refugees suffering from the war's effects. Notable organizations involved in humanitarian efforts were the American Red Cross, the Rockefeller Foundation, and the Commission for Relief in Belgium.
4. Intelligence and Espionage: The United States provided valuable intelligence and espionage assistance to the Allies through its network of spies and covert operations. American intelligence organizations, such as the American Military Intelligence Division and the Secret Service, gathered information on German military activities and shared it with the Allies.
5. Neutrality and Mediation Attempts: Initially, the United States maintained a neutral stance in World War I, but President Woodrow Wilson made efforts to mediate and promote peace negotiations between the warring parties. Wilson's attempts at mediation were ultimately unsuccessful, as both sides felt they could achieve victory on their own.
6. Morale and Propaganda: The United States contributed to the propaganda campaigns of the Allied Powers, which aimed to boost morale, influence public opinion, and galvanize support for the war effort. American media and cultural figures played a role in shaping public perception of the war and supporting the Allied cause.
It's important to note that while America's involvement before 1917 was significant, public sentiment in the United States was initially divided, with some advocating neutrality and others calling for intervention. The turning point came in early 1917 when Germany resumed unrestricted submarine warfare, leading to the sinking of several American merchant ships and the revelation of the Zimmermann Telegram, a German diplomatic message seeking an alliance with Mexico against the United States. These events contributed to the United States' decision to enter World War I in full force in April 1917.