America's Neutrality In WW1

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Until April, 1917, the US remained neutral in WW1. Several hostile acts against the US in early 1917 by Germany forced the US to declare war. Germany instituted its own blockade in response to the British blockade in 1914. After the sinking of a third unarmed ship with American passengers in 1916, Germany issued the Sussex pledge, promising to not sink any more merchant or passenger ships without due warning. The pledge was kept until January 1917, when the original policy of unrestricted submarine warfare resurfaced. Germany felt that by cutting off supplies it could end the war on its terms before the United States could react. Shortly afterward, the United States cut off diplomatic relations with Germany, a step preparatory to war. In
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