The US entry into the First World War was stated as an attempt “to make the world safe for democracy”, but in reality it was more of a cover up for the foreign policies during the late 19th century. In the beginning of the war the United States had stayed neutral because it was considered a European War which had nothing to do with American interests, but as the war went on the United States realized the economic impact it created and was forced to take sides. Even though President Wilson tried hard to stay out of the war a number of foreign events such as the Zimmerman Note tipped us into it. Therefore the claim to protect democracy can be regarded as partially true, but the primary reason that Wilson had was for economic interests.
In trying to make a safe world for democracy Pres
The main reason for war was safe guarding economic interests. This had been foreign policy since the late 19th century and arguably is still now. President Wilson tried staying out of the war all together but the impact on the economy would be felt if he did not take sides with Britain. American policies were to preserve economic interests such as the Panama Canal and the Open Door Policy, as well as the Roosevelt Corollary. This proves that the economy was in the mind while declaring a war for democracy. By staying neutral Americas relations were threatened with both Germany and Britain. Britain was America’s biggest trading partner, so of course the US sided with them for trading routes during the war. This was in order to protect the economy and the embargo with the Central Powers furt