what is the influence of germany's navy, wilson, and america's economy on the declaration of war on germany in 1917

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What is the relative influence of the German naval policy, American economic interests, and Woodrow Wilsonn's idealism on the American decision to declare war on Germany in 1917.

-- sarah (sarahjanie28@aol.com), May 01, 2000

Answers

The German naval policy was: if any American ships are caught in the atlantic and are suspected to be carrying supplies to Britain, they will be destroyed. American economic interests were to keep open trade with all of Europe, but could not trade because the German U-boats were sinking many of our ships, including the Lusitania, which was the last straw drawing us into war with Germany. Wilson also supported big businesses, so when trade was cut off with Europe, our major export, he was waiting for an excuse. FYI - The Lusitania that was claimed to be filled with innocent people, including Americans, WAS carrying supplies to Britain.

-- Arman (gefmtpo@hotmail.com), May 08, 2000.

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