Arguments in favor of entering the war:
- The United States had economic ties to both the Allied Powers and the Central Powers, but the Allies owed the United States more money. By joining the Allies, the United States could ensure that it would be repaid for its loans.
- The United States was concerned about the unrestricted submarine warfare being waged by the Germans, which was sinking American merchant ships. American ships were being sunk without warning, and many American citizens were killed. This made it difficult for the United States to remain neutral.
- The United States was concerned about the spread of communism if the Central Powers won the war. The Bolshevik Revolution had just occurred in Russia, and the United States feared that the spread of communism could destabilize Europe and the world.
Arguments against entering the war:
- The United States was not directly threatened by the Central Powers. The war was taking place in Europe, and there was no immediate danger to the United States.
- Entering the war would be a costly and bloody affair. The United States had not been involved in a major war in decades, and it would take time and resources to build up the military.
- Entering the war could provoke the Central Powers to attack the United States. The United States was not prepared for a war on its own soil.
Ultimately, the decision to enter World War I was a complex one with no easy answers. There were valid arguments on both sides of the issue. In the end, President Woodrow Wilson decided that the risks of staying out of the war outweighed the risks of entering it. The United States entered the war in April 1917.
Whether or not it was a good idea for the United States to enter World War I is still a matter of historical debate.