World War I (1914–1919): The United States Enters the War

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Some of these points—such as the evacuation of German troops from Russia, France, and Belgium—were basic steps necessary for ending hostilities; other points were part of a long-range vision for preventing future conflicts. Among these long-term points was a suggestion that diplomacy and treaties always be carried out openly and in full public view. Wilson further suggested that all economic barriers be eliminated and that all nations adopt an “equality of trading conditions.” The final, fourteenth point called for establishing a “general association” of the world’s states, with each to have equal representation regardless of size or strength. Although the details of Wilson’s plan would be adjusted considerably over time, his proposals laid the foundation for the armistice negotiations that would take place ten months later.

Assessing the U.S. Entrance

In the year leading up to the U.S. declaration of war, President Wilson’s position on the war changed dramatically. Although the United States had long maintained a much warmer relationship with Great Britain and France than with Germany or Austria-Hungary, Wilson’s administration kept a strictly neutral stance. Moreover, as Wilson began making diplomatic initiatives in 1916, his position toward the Central Powers was considerably more lenient than the Allies were comfortable with.

This evenhanded diplomacy evaporated quickly, however, when Germany lifted its restrictions on submarine warfare in January 1917. Although it was the Zimmermann telegram that effectively turned American public opinion, in truth, the “threat” presented in the telegram bordered on the absurd. The threat from German submarines, on the other hand, was a direct threat to American lives, commerce, and property and had to be countered. There could now be little question of the United States remaining neutral, and within two months, the United States declared war.

At it turned out, there was a large time gap between the U.S. declaration of war and the actual entrance of U.S. troops in combat on the front. The U.S. Army was not the vast and flexible force that it is today, and much time would be needed for large numbers of U.S. soldiers to be trained, moved into place, and organized. Even after troops were finally in combat, the United States never formally joined the Allied forces but technically remained an independent participant, at war only with Germany and not with Austria-Hungary.

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