Wilson initially declared the United States' neutrality in 1914. He continued to uphold this policy throughout most of the war, despite increasing pressure from both sides.
Wilson maintained his neutrality for several reasons:
* He believed that the United States should remain impartial in the conflict, as it had no direct stake in the outcome.
* He feared that entering the war would damage the US economy and further escalate the violence.
* He was convinced that the war was a struggle between European imperial powers and that the United States should not get involved.
However, Wilson's policy of neutrality became increasingly difficult to maintain as the war progressed.
German U-boat attacks on American merchant ships, the sinking of the Lusitania, and the Zimmerman Telegram all contributed to growing public support for intervention in the war.
In April 1917, Wilson finally asked Congress to declare war on Germany. He argued that the United States had to enter the war to "make the world safe for democracy."