Question

question 6 of 10

the united states was led into world war i after:

a. germany sent troops and weapons to mexico.
b. germany took control of u.s. submarines.
c. germany set up a blockade of u.s. merchant ships.
d. germany sank u.s. merchant ships.

Explanation:

Analyze the historical context of US entry into WWI

The United States maintained a policy of neutrality at the beginning of World War I. However, several key factors gradually shifted American public opinion and government policy toward intervention. A primary catalyst was Germany's use of unrestricted submarine warfare.

Evaluate the provided options

• A. Germany sent troops and weapons to Mexico. This is historically inaccurate. While Germany sent the Zimmerman Telegram proposing a military alliance with Mexico, they did not send troops or weapons.
• B. Germany took control of U.S. submarines. This is incorrect; Germany did not seize American submarines.
• C. Germany set up a blockade of U.S. merchant ships. While Germany declared the waters around the British Isles a war zone, they did not establish a traditional surface blockade of U.S. ships.
• D. Germany sank U.S. merchant ships. This is correct. In early 1917, Germany resumed unrestricted submarine warfare, leading to the sinking of several unarmed American merchant vessels, which directly prompted President Woodrow Wilson to ask Congress for a declaration of war.

Determine the correct choice

Based on the historical evidence, the direct action that led the United States into World War I was the sinking of U.S. merchant ships by German U-boats.

Answer:

• (A) Germany sent troops and weapons to Mexico.
• (B) Germany took control of U.S. submarines.
• (C) Germany set up a blockade of U.S. merchant ships.
• (D) Germany sank U.S. merchant ships. (Correct answer)