On April 6, 1917, the United States officially entered World War I, marking a turning point not just in the war, but in American history. After years of staying neutral while Europe was torn apart by conflict, the U.S. made the pivotal decision to join the fight, changing the course of the war and America’s role in the world.
The decision didn’t come lightly. President Woodrow Wilson had tried to keep the U.S. out of the war, calling for neutrality and peace. But growing threats to American lives and interests made staying on the sidelines impossible. German U boats had been attacking American and allied ships in the Atlantic, and the infamous Zimmermann Telegram, a secret message from Germany encouraging Mexico to join the war against the U.S., was the final straw.
When Congress declared war, President Wilson said the world must be made “safe for democracy.” It was a powerful call to action, and it reshaped America’s purpose on the global stage. Over 4 million Americans would serve in uniform during the war, with more than 100,000 making the ultimate sacrifice. The U.S. brought fresh manpower, resources, and momentum to a war that had dragged on since 1914. American troops, known as Doughboys, helped break the stalemate in Europe and push the Allies toward victory in 1918.
April 6 is a date that reminds us of the moment America stepped out of isolation and into a new era of global leadership. It marks a time when courage, sacrifice, and a belief in defending freedom carried the nation into one of history’s most defining conflicts.
On April 6, 1917, the United States officially entered World War I, marking a turning point not just in the war, but in American history. After years of staying neutral while Europe was torn apart by conflict, the U.S. made the pivotal decision to join the fight, changing the course of the war and America’s role in the world.
The decision didn’t come lightly. President Woodrow Wilson had tried to keep the U.S. out of the war, calling for neutrality and peace. But growing threats to American lives and interests made staying on the sidelines impossible. German U boats had been attacking American and allied ships in the Atlantic, and the infamous Zimmermann Telegram, a secret message from Germany encouraging Mexico to join the war against the U.S., was the final straw.
When Congress declared war, President Wilson said the world must be made “safe for democracy.” It was a powerful call to action, and it reshaped America’s purpose on the global stage. Over 4 million Americans would serve in uniform during the war, with more than 100,000 making the ultimate sacrifice. The U.S. brought fresh manpower, resources, and momentum to a war that had dragged on since 1914. American troops, known as Doughboys, helped break the stalemate in Europe and push the Allies toward victory in 1918.
April 6 is a date that reminds us of the moment America stepped out of isolation and into a new era of global leadership. It marks a time when courage, sacrifice, and a belief in defending freedom carried the nation into one of history’s most defining conflicts.