Why did the US entered the conflict on the side of the Allies?

Answer 1

The US's entry to the Great War was far from a forgone conclusion.

It was considered a "European War" between the great powers - France, Germany, Britain, Austria, Ottomans and Russia - US public and political opinion was for neutrality but was gradually set against Germany by a string of events.

Unrestricted Submarine Warfare, German U-boats would attack and sink any ships thought to be carrying goods to an Allied Country. This violated the principle of neutrality. Although the Royal Navy was operating a blockade of Germany which had much the same effect; they were impounding rather than sinking ships and US trade with Britain was larger than it's trade with Germany so the German method had a larger effect on US opinion. The German's suspended this for a time after the sinking of the RMS Lusitania - a British liner which had a large number of passengers including Americans aboard - but resumed it in early 1917.

German Sabotage - German agents were blamed rightly or wrongly for a string of incidents in the US.

The Zimmerman Telegram - British intelligence intercepted an offer from German to Mexico where in return for attacking the US, and so removing the support in trade that the US was giving the Allies, Mexico would have some of the territories lost to the US in the Mexican-American war in the 1840's restored. Mexico said no - it was an impractical idea anyway - but the very idea inflamed US opinion.

These together made selling the idea of American intervention possible for the government.

Answer 2

Geopolitical reasons. They feared Japan and Germany would win their wars and then turn onto America proper. America knew it had to fight them sooner or later and better to fight when their allies were still around.

The attack on Pearl Harbour gave them the excuse they wanted: The Japanese attacked because they believed the US would enter the war anyways so why not destroy their navy beforehand.

They also desired to become a superpower.

Answer 3

They entered in the side of the allies because they were already allies prior to the war and because they feared German and Japanese hegemony of Europe and Asia. Plus, they desired to expand their influence in Europe and Asia, thus becoming a world superpower, which they accomplished.

Answer 4

they needed more back up , and the felt that they were more on their side then anybody else

Answer 5

because the usa wanted you to go ask your mum

Answer 6

what war, pearl harbour would be a good reason,

Answer 7

it was being attacked by the axis powers