Why did World War I happen, and was American involvement reasonable?
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer:
World War I happened due to a combination of nationalism, militarism, imperialism, and a system of alliances among European powers. The immediate cause was the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary in June 1914. American involvement in the war, which began in 1917, was based on several factors, including unrestricted German submarine warfare and the Zimmerman Telegram. Considering the circumstances, American involvement was reasonable.
Explanation (300 words):
World War I, also called the Great War, began in 1914 after a series of long-standing tensions among European nations. Nationalism led many ethnic groups to seek independence, especially in the Balkans, where Serbia and Austria-Hungary clashed. Militarism encouraged nations to build large armies and stockpile weapons. Imperialism caused conflicts over colonies in Africa and Asia. Lastly, the alliance system meant that a small conflict could trigger a larger war. For example, when Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia after the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, Russia mobilized to support Serbia. This led Germany to declare war on Russia, and soon many major powers were involved.
At first, the United States remained neutral, influenced by a desire to avoid European entanglements. However, Germany’s policy of unrestricted submarine warfare, which involved sinking ships without warning, threatened American lives and property. The sinking of the Lusitania in 1915, killing 128 Americans, raised public anger. Another turning point was the interception of the Zimmerman Telegram in 1917. In it, Germany offered Mexico an alliance against the United States, promising to help Mexico regain lost territories. This direct threat to national security pushed the United States closer to war.
American involvement in World War I was reasonable because it was driven by the need to protect American lives, uphold international law, and respond to direct threats. By entering the war, the United States helped bring it to a quicker end and played a major role in shaping the postwar peace through President Wilson’s Fourteen Points. The war also marked a shift in America’s global position, from isolationism toward a more active role in international affairs.