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In the years leading up to 1917, a multitude of reasons contributed to the American decision to declare war on Germany. These reasons include the German naval policy, allied propaganda, and America’s claim to world power. The German U-boats as well as the inc ....

Middle of Essay
.... These incidents outraged the American public. President Wilson chose to do nothing violent about them at first; however, after a similar incident took place; Germany’s naval policy instigated him to declare war on Germany. Propaganda was necessary to declare war on Germany, since a war without the public’s support would not have fared well. Although Americans were certainly upset at Germany’s naval policy, it was not enough to prompt popular support for a declaration of war. Propaganda, such as political cartoons, was used in order to get the public to advocate entrance into the war. Cartoons were used widely, giving Americans the impr ....