ABSTRACT
This chapter overviews Wilson’s initial policy of neutrality in response to World War I. It starts with Wilson’s philosophy of neutrality and his early peace efforts, and then addresses the moments that led the United States to declare war against Germany. The first portion overviews Wilson’s desire to play a role as a peace mediator, including sending Edward House on a diplomatic mission to Europe, and to have the United States be involved in trade while remaining neutral militarily. The latter case sparked issues due to the British blockade and the German U-Boat campaign, leading to the sinking of the Lusitania. The later part of the chapter then considers U.S.-German diplomacy to restrict submarine warfare, such as the Sussex agreement. It concludes by addressing Wilson’s response to the German declaration of unrestricted submarine warfare followed by the controversy of the Zimmerman telegram. It concludes with an explanation of Wilson’s decision to enter World War I on the side of the Entente.
