History Today: When the United States joined World War I

April 6 holds a special place in history, marking several significant events that shaped the world.

On this day in 1917, the United States abandoned its stance of neutrality and officially joined the Allied powers in World War I, declaring war against the Imperial German Government. This decision altered the course of the war and had lasting global consequences.

It was also on April 6, 1896, that the Olympic Games made a historic return to their birthplace in Athens, Greece, after being absent for 1,500 years. The first Modern Olympics featured only male athletes, with 12 nations taking part in the grand revival of the sporting event.

Additionally, this day in 1924 saw the beginning of the first-ever round-the-world flight. Four Douglas World Cruisers (DWC) took off from the United States on an ambitious journey, completing their global circumnavigation in 175 days—a feat that showcased the growing possibilities of aviation.

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Here’s a detailed look at these significant historical events.

The United States formally joins World War I

On April 6, 1917, the United States officially declared war on Germany, marking its long-awaited entry into World War I.

However, this wasn’t always the course the nation intended to take.

When the war first broke out in 1914, President Woodrow Wilson committed to keeping the US neutral—a stance that most Americans supported at the time. But Britain, one of America’s closest trade partners, became embroiled in a conflict with Germany, creating growing tensions between the US and the German Empire.

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As Germany attempted to blockade the British Isles, several American ships traveling to Britain were damaged or sunk by German mines. In February 1915, Germany escalated matters by declaring unrestricted submarine warfare, warning that all ships—neutral or otherwise—sailing in the war zone near Britain would be targeted.

The situation took a devastating turn on May 7, 1915, when a German submarine torpedoed the British ocean liner Lusitania off the coast of Ireland. Of the 1,959 passengers on board, 1,198 lost their lives, including 128 Americans. Germany justified the attack by claiming the ship was carrying munitions, but the US demanded compensation and an end to assaults on unarmed passenger and merchant vessels. Despite this, German U-boats continued their attacks, shifting American public sentiment against Germany.

Tensions further escalated when British intelligence intercepted the Zimmermann Telegram—a secret German message urging Mexico to side with Germany in exchange for reclaiming Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. The exposure of this plot outraged the American public and further fueled calls for action.

By early 1917, diplomatic relations between the US and Germany had collapsed.

Finally, on April 2, 1917, President Wilson addressed Congress, calling for war and famously declaring, “The world must be made safe for democracy.” Four days later, on April 6, Congress approved the resolution, officially bringing the United States into World War I.

The birth of the Modern Olympic Games

On April 6, 1896, the inaugural modern Olympic Games commenced in Athens, Greece, reviving an ancient tradition after more than 1,500 years.

The event was driven by French educator Pierre de Coubertin, who was deeply inspired by the ancient Olympic Games that had been held in Olympia, Greece, until they were banned in 393 AD. Determined to bring the tradition back to life, he led the effort to reintroduce the Olympics to the world, earning him the title ‘Father of the Modern Olympic Games.’

The grand opening ceremony took place at the Panathenaic Stadium, where an estimated 60,000 spectators gathered to witness history in the making. Around 280 male athletes from 12 nations competed in 43 events spanning various sports, including track and field, gymnastics, swimming, cycling, weightlifting, wrestling, tennis, and fencing.

First round-the-world flight begins

On April 6, 1924, a team of eight US Army Air Service aviators embarked on a historic mission—the first-ever attempt to circumnavigate the globe by air.

The journey began in Seattle, Washington, with four Douglas World Cruiser aircraft, each named after a U.S. city—Seattle, Chicago, Boston, and New Orleans.

Over the next 175 days, the aviators covered approximately 27,550 miles, making 74 stops across 22 countries. The expedition was filled with hardships, including severe weather, mechanical breakdowns, illness, and exhaustion. Along the way, one plane crashed in Alaska, and another sank in the Atlantic Ocean, yet the mission pressed on.

With no parachutes, life preservers, rafts, or radios, the World Fliers relied on skill and determination to navigate their way through uncharted skies. Their triumphant return to Seattle in September 1924 marked a significant achievement in aviation history, proving that global air travel was possible.