Submarine Warfare
The submarine was a weapon greatly used by the Germans. Our reaction to the Unrestricted Submarine fighting used by the Germans is what led America to join the war effort in the first place. Going back to when America didn't want to be involved in the war, Woodrow Wilson stated:
"I am not one of those who believe that a great standing army is the means of maintaining peace, because if you build up a great profession those who farm parts of it want to exercise their profession."
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Wilson knew America had a great military power, however, he didn't believe that it was our responsibility to have to use that power. If you analyze the meaning behind Wilson's quote you can relate it to the expression "with great power comes great responsibility." We don't want to show the world a ruthless power hungry nation that has a big military but rather a nation who is responsible for its actions but also has a big military capable of defending itself. After knowing the mindset the president was in you will get a better understanding of the great impact submarine warfare had on America.
The Lusitania was a ship sunk by a German U-boat in May of 1915. It was a British passenger ship carrying people from New York to England. When it was struck by a German U-boat torpedo several American lives were lost. This of course enraged our president. How could it be fair to kill people who weren't even there to fight in the first place. The Germans tried to explain that it wasn't their fault because it was considered to be a British ship and were ordered to attack on sight. However, this wasn't a proper excuse for America. We then entered the war in 1917.