On this day, America threw its metaphorical hat into the worst conflict in human history at the time. The excuses vary:
- The Zimmerman Note – The UK “conveniently” intercepted a German diplomatic plan to get Mexico to join Germany and company in the fight. Mexico’s job would be to invade the States with German aid. The reward would be the return of land our southern neighbor wanted back.
- U-Boat Attacks – Germany’s submarine fleet would sink any vessel trying to get through their blockade of the UK. The British were a major trading partner and often there were American casualties. However, the Germans didn’t have much choice, ocean liners did carry war materiel.
The above were the big two. Personally I think it was the disease called Anglophilia which seems to plague the higher-ups in the American government. Thus, they would’ve found any excuse to pour our resources into helping the land of warm drinks and cold food. Neutrality would be my preferred stance along with no more vessels going to Europe where anyone’s navy can threaten us. If you want stuff, you’ll have to come and get it. Besides, WWI isn’t really much of an idealogical conflict as say WWII was (Fascism/Nazism v. Capitalistic Republics), it was a war fueled by “who’s dick is bigger” with drunk fratboys governing all sides as they puffed out their chests in 1914.
Others say this ushered in the American Century. I agree but it doesn’t take off until the end of WWII.