A Level History - America - Practice Exam

Why did Wilson want the US to enter WWI?

1. To expand US territory in Europe

2. To challenge the British blockade

3. To make the world safer for democracy

4. To support the economic interests of the rich

The correct answer is: To make the world safer for democracy

Woodrow Wilson's desire for the United States to enter World War I stemmed from his broader vision of promoting democracy and establishing a new international order based on democratic principles. Wilson believed that the war presented an opportunity to reshape the world, particularly in Europe, where autocratic regimes were engaged in conflict. He articulated the idea that the U.S. could play a role in making the world "safe for democracy," a theme that resonated in his speeches and writings. This philosophy was rooted in Wilson's moral diplomacy, which opposed imperialistic expansion and advocated for the support of governments that reflected democratic values. His conviction was that by entering the war, the U.S. could influence the post-war peace settlements, fostering conditions that would lead to greater political freedoms and self-determination for nations transitioning away from autocratic rule. Thus, the motivation to enter WWI was fundamentally aligned with Wilson's idealistic worldview that emphasized democracy as a universal value that needed to be protected and spread across the globe.