.
Second, Imperial Germany was described as running amuck as an international desperado. This reason played well on the sympathetic side of Americans. The execution of nurses and destruction of aged monuments made people furious. They were appalled at the barbaric tactics of the Germans who seemingly went unchecked.
Third, "Prussian Militancy and autocracy let loose in the world disturbed the balance of power and threatened to destroy the international equilibrium." This reason scared many Americans. It led the average reader to believe that the rise of German imperialism could lead to a later destruction of the American way of life. The propagandists used heavy wording to create and hold fear that the course of action being taken was crucial to sustaining American independence.
The Committee for Public Information stated that the war had gradually shaped into a war between the democratic nations on one hand and autocratic on the other as its fourth reason. This gave Americans basically two choices: either side with the allies and defend the values of democracy, or side with the Central Powers and be for the evil ways of Autocracy. This choice left no neutral ground, much like the McCarthyism of the 1950s where one was either Communist or a Patriot.
The fifth reason for entering the war was one of innovation and advancement of the American society. It stated that, "America's tradition of isolation had grown out worn and could no longer be maintained in the age of growing interdependency." This reason favored those who wanted to modernize America and create a greater union between America and the rest of the world.
Finally, The Committee for Public Information stated that the war was entered, "Because of the menace to the Monroe Doctrine and to America's independence." This explanation speaks for itself. It plays on the sense of security of every American. "If action is not taken," it suggests, "America will be taken over.
