6. World War I (1917-1918)
The United States’ entry into World War I in April 1917 marked a pivotal shift in the conflict’s dynamics. President Woodrow Wilson’s declaration aimed to make the world “safe for democracy,” responding to Germany’s unrestricted submarine warfare and the interception of the Zimmermann Telegram. American forces, under General John J. Pershing, played a crucial role in halting German advances and launching successful offensives, notably the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. The war’s conclusion led to the Treaty of Versailles, where President Wilson’s Fourteen Points influenced postwar peace efforts, although the U.S. Senate ultimately did not ratify the treaty.This period marked America’s emergence as a global power, setting the stage for its future role in international relations (neh.gov).
