Our country must prepare for war. Great Britain is one of our closest allies, and several U.S ships traveling to Britain have become damaged or sunken by German mines. In February 1915 Germany announced unrestricted warfare against all ships that entered the war zone around Britain. One month later, a German cruiser had sunken the William P. Frye, a private American ship. President Wilson was outraged, but the German government apologized and called the attack an unfortunate mistake.

Many people believe that the war was started because on June 28, Austria’s Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife were shot by a 19-year-old Serbian nationalist named Gavrilo Princip. Austria-Hungary was furious and, with Germany’s support, declared war on Serbia on July 28.

 Another reason for war were nationalists. Nationalists exaggerate the value or importance of their country, placing its interests above those of other countries. Nationalism in Europe became a significant cause of World War I. Many nationalists were convinced that their country was fair and righteous.  And they believed rival nations were aggressive, scheming, or uncivilized. Nationalist reports convinced many people that their country was threatened by the hungry imperialism of its rivals.

Imperialism is a huge part of the war too. Currently European powers are rushing to claim uncolonized ares of Africa, Asia, and the Pacific. And Japan is trying to acquire Korea, Taiwan, and territory in China. Most colonies are now taken, and competition for remaining land is leading to conflict among Europe. Germany believes the only way they can expand in Africa is by taking land from other colonizers.

These are reasons that started WW1, and the United States must intervene to put an end to the war. We cannot let innocent people continue to be killed in a conflict between Britain and Germany. We need to join Britain and declare war against Germany.