Question 101 of 128 American History
Why did the United States enter World War I?
Answers USCIS accepts
- Because Germany attacked U.S. (civilian) ships
- To support the Allied Powers (England, France, Italy, and Russia)
- To oppose the Central Powers (Germany, Austria-Hungary, the Ottoman Empire, and Bulgaria)
Give any one of these answers at your interview.
The United States entered World War I because Germany attacked U.S. ships, and to support the Allied Powers against the Central Powers.
What it means
German submarines attacked American ships, including civilian vessels. In 1917 the U.S. joined England, France, Italy and Russia against Germany, Austria-Hungary, the Ottoman Empire and Bulgaria.
“Because Germany attacked U.S. ships” is the easiest answer.
Memory tip: WWI: Germany attacked U.S. ships.
Quiz yourself
Why did the United States enter World War I?
Multiple choice is for study only. The real civics test is spoken: the officer asks, you answer out loud.
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Official source: USCIS M-1778 (09/25), 128 Civics Questions and Answers (2025 version). Last checked: .