101. Why did the United States enter World War I?
American History · Recent American History and Other Important Historical Information
Accepted answer(s)
- 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)
Officers ask history questions like this one to check general knowledge of how the country was formed. On the 2025 Civics Test, "Because Germany attacked U.S. (civilian) ships" is the answer to give if asked directly — related historical trivia beyond that isn't required to pass.
This is question 101 of the 2025 Civics Test. See it on uscis.gov.