The Role of Robert Lansing in Shaping U.S. Foreign Policy During the First World War (1914 –1918)

Abstract

The United States entered World War I in 1917 due to several factors, including German naval attacks on American ships, such as the Lusitania incident, growing American public pressure, and the Zimmerman Telegram, in which Germany proposed cooperation with Mexico against the United States—further fueling hostile sentiments. Robert Lansing, the U.S. Secretary of State, played a significant role in directing American policy toward the war and in bolstering support for the Allies.

The entry of the United States had a major impact in securing decisive victories and played a prominent role in shaping the peace treaties after the war.

Although Robert Lansing was initially one of the strongest advocates for neutrality, believing that the United States should remain protected from the aggressions of the warring parties, various changing circumstances eventually led him to support American involvement in the war—ultimately altering the course of the conflict as a whole.