World War II Was the Only Truly Justified(Foreign) War Ever Fought by the USA

World War 1: Threats to the United States There is little doubt that the First World War simply did not need to happen; it began as a classic mid-evil land grab on the part of Austria-Hungary and Russia. (1) However, to suggest that the resulting threat to the United States and it's allies be ignored is puerile. The threats, and indeed actual attacks endured by the US were real and immediate, The first of these threats is known as the Zimmerman Telegram. Sent by Germany, the short message to the Mexican Government message was this: invade the United States, and when we're done here in Europe, we'll help you finish the US off and reclaim the land in the South stolen during the Mexican-American war. (2) If not for the interception by British intelligence, who knows how history might have been altered. The telegraph was an extreme provocation which had to be responded to, but was only one small threat. In 1917, Germany authorized its notorious U-Boats to sink American ships at will, a year after the Germans had sunk a commercial liner, killing over 100 Americans. (3) By March, Germany had launched dozens of attacks on unarmed passenger and merchant ships, killing hundreds of non-combatant Americans and destroying hundreds of tons of valuable cargo. (4) Lastly, the situation was looking dire for America's allies, Britain and France. Germany was plainly winning, by winning battles and militarily cutting off foreign aid, resulting in rationing and countless shortages. Some go as far as to say England was a week away from surrender when the United States decided to join. (5) Protecting our allies and "making the world safe for democracy" became very important in 1917. How Does it Meet the "Justified War Theory"? 1. Just Cause The deaths of hundreds of Americans with many more to come, the direct threat of invasion, and of course the very real possibility of Germany conquering Europe? Few greater causes exist. 2. Comparative Justice Germany gave permission for its navy to obliterate ships, civilian or otherwise at will, and tried to arrange the invasion of the United States. Moreover, Germany did not initiate the war, but was certainly the greatest perpetrator and aggressor. The response was required and comparative. 3. Competent Authority The war by the United States was run by a perfectly competent leader in Woodrow Wilson, elected by the people, and who was very hesitant to enter into war, running for reelection on the slogan "he kept us out of the War" (6) There are better presidents to run a conflict, but President Wilson was plenty able. 4. Right Intentions All of the right intentions. The US did it's best to defeat Germany and bring on a lasting peace (woe to that goal), heavily involved in the formation of the Treaty of Versailles. 5. Probability of Success An allied victory was likely, but definitely not guaranteed. However, given the circumstances, the United States has very little choice on whether to get involved--it was a necessity. 6. Last Resort I believe I can say with confidence that Wilhelm and Germany had no intention of letting up. The attacks on American ships would continue, and the war would drag on, with the allies more and more beaten every day. For an anti-war president like Wilson, were there a peaceful solution, it would have been taken. 7. Proportionality A somewhat arbitrary standard in the case of WW1, but Germany had to be stopped, for the sake of Europe as well as the United States. The action taken was proportional to what had to be done. As I am running low on characters, I will cut my arguments here. But to rebut, my opponent must explain the following: how the attacks and provocations on the US did not warrant and really demand extreme and immediate action, how the US could justify allowing Germany to win the war and take much of Europe under its yoke, and how the US would solve the problem by any other method. (1) . http://www.history.com... (2) . http://academic.udayton.edu... (3) (4) . http://www.history.com... (5) . http://archive.worldhistoria.com... (6) . http://millercenter.org...