What will be an ideal response?

Answer: The ideal answer should include:
a. When the war broke out in 1914, the United States remained neutral.
b. In 1915, that neutrality was tested by the French request for a loan.
c. Although the United States stated it would offer loans to countries on both sides of the war, existing ties between American businesses and the Allied Powers resulted in the majority of the loans being made to the Allies.
d. The German practice of unrestricted submarine warfare and the Zimmermann Telegram in 1917 pushed the United States toward war.
e. In 1917, Woodrow Wilson asked and received Congresss approval for a declaration of war against the Central Powers.