In what year did the United States enter World War I?

• A. 1914
• B. 1917
• C. 1918
• D. 1919

Answer: (B)

When the United States joined World War I, it happened in 1917. For years after 1914 the U.S. stayed neutral, trading with many nations and avoiding a full commitment. That changed after German submarine warfare intensified and threatened American lives and shipping, and after the Zimmermann Telegram suggested Mexico join the war against the U.S. President Wilson argued that the world needed to be made safe for democracy, and Congress formally declared war in early 1917. American troops began fighting in Europe that year, marking the country’s entry into the war. The fighting continued into 1918, and the armistice came later in 1918 with the peace treaty following in 1919. So 1917 is the year the United States entered World War I.