Which statement describes a reason the United States entered World War I on the Allied side? A. Germany's invasion of Canada posed a direct threat to the United States. B. President Wilson wanted to take possession of Germany's colonies. C. German U-boats sank unarmed ships carrying American passengers. D. Most Americans believed that Europe's fight was also their fight.

C. The Lusitania was a British ship carrying American passengers that was sunk on May 7, 1915. It would take the United States over a year to enter the war after this happened.

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MrZieleniewo MrZieleniewo · Answer 2 · 2019-03-16T12:22:22-04:00

Correct answer:

C. German U-boats sank unarmed ships carrying American passengers.

Context/detail:

Public outrage in the US against the Germans swept the nation following the sinking of the British ocean liner, Lusitania, which had happened in May, 1915. When a German U-boat (submarine) sank the Lusitania, over 1,000 persons were killed, including more than 100 Americans. The passenger liner was targeted by the Germans because they suspected weapons were being shipped to Britain in the cargo hold of the ship.

Germany managed to stave off American entry into the war at the time by pledging to stop submarine attacks. But two years later, the Germans resumed such attacks. This inflamed public opinion against Germany once again and poised America to go to war.

In addition, British intelligence intercepted and decoded a telegram (known as the "Zimmermann Telegram") that showed Germany was trying to secure Mexico as an ally against the United States. The revelation of this plan inflamed feelings in the United States. The telegram was sent in January, 1917. In March, 1917, German Foreign Secretary Arthur Zimmermann admitted the telegram was, in fact, sent by his office.

In April, 1917, the US declared war on Germany in response to the Germans' submarine warfare and the Zimmermann Telegram.