What did America want to join ww1

America's entry into World War I in 1917 was influenced by several factors:

**Unrestricted Submarine Warfare**: Germany's practice of unrestricted submarine warfare, which involved attacking ships without warning, particularly affected American vessels and citizens. The sinking of the British ocean liner RMS Lusitania in 1915, which resulted in the deaths of 128 Americans, heightened tensions.

**The Zimmermann Telegram**: In January 1917, British intelligence intercepted and decoded a secret communication from German Foreign Minister Arthur Zimmermann to Mexico, proposing a military alliance against the United States. The telegram suggested that if Mexico joined the war on the side of the Central Powers, Germany would support its claim to territories lost to the U.S., such as Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. This revelation stirred public anger in America.

**Economic Interests**: The United States had strong economic ties to the Allies, particularly Britain and France. American banks and businesses had extended substantial loans to these nations, and there was concern that a Central Powers victory would jeopardize those investments.

**Ideological Reasons**: Many Americans felt a sense of moral obligation to support the Allies, viewing their cause as one of democracy against autocracy. President Woodrow Wilson framed the war as a fight to make the world "safe for democracy."

**Propaganda and Public Opinion**: Propaganda efforts by the Allies and the U.S. government played a significant role in shaping public opinion in favor of entering the war. Reports of German atrocities and the portrayal of the Allies as fighting for a just cause influenced many Americans.

These factors combined to push the United States to declare war on Germany on April 6, 1917, marking its entry into World War I.