Was the United States military intervention in WW1 right or not?

Question

I've had both sides of the story told to me around the yards and I'd like to hear yours. Thanks!!

Answer 1

History depends a bit on whose side of the fence you are sitting.

WWI destroyed the great old empires of Europe. Both the British and German Governments were bankrupt and exhausted by the end of it. Somewhat ironically, WWI help make the US a superpower. It certainly made the US very rich as it's companies sold munitions and supplies to both the British and the Germans for many years and at a good profit.

However, once the germans started attacking and sinking US merchant ships, US policy started to change and the sinking of the Lusitania at the cost of many lives turned US public and government opinion against Germany.

The American military (in both wars) were the essential force that the Allies needed to defeat the Germans. No-one really 'won' WWI, it is just the Germans were exhausted slightly before the allies (thanks to the additional US forces). It really was a battle of attrition.

However, jump forward 40 years and as a direct result of the harsh war reparations forced upon Germany after WWI by the British, French and the US, Hitler came to power and we ended up with WWII.

Answer 2

The sinking of the US ship was the event which allowed us to enter with support from the American people, much like Pearl Harbor did for WWII. Economics was the motive behind us entering the war. The almighty $$, as always. But, people in America wanted up to mind our business, not understanding the economic ramifications of the war. So, this ship sank, and next thing you know, we are there.

Answer 3

I believe it was the right thing to do. Aiding friends in need is always a good thing to do.
One reason for our isolationist attitude early on was because of the very large number of Germanic immigrants living here.
The war was at a stalemate and had been for a while until our troops tipped the balance in favor of the allies.

Answer 4

The US was neutral until the Germans sank the Lusitania, an american passenger ship. That was in the days when you paid a price for messing with America.

Answer 5

I've studied it several times and I'm still not sure. Some say that if we would have stayed out of World War 1, then Hitler never would have came to power. Who knows? Not me...

Answer 6

It was the right thing to do, and we should have interfered much earlier. Had Woodrow Wilson not been in office Hitler may have never had the chance to rise to power.

Answer 7

Germany started sinking U.S. ships in international waters..
what do you think?

Answer 8

yeah. If we didn't get involved the allies probably wouldn't have won.

Answer 9

yes but we should have joined the other side.

Answer 10

Thankful they did.