Why did the USA enter WW1 late?

The USA entered World War I late due to a combination of factors, including a strong isolationist sentiment among the American public and political leaders, who were reluctant to become entangled in European conflicts. Additionally, the U.S. economy initially benefited from trade with both the Allies and Central Powers, delaying any push for involvement. However, events such as unrestricted submarine warfare by Germany and the Zimmerman Telegram, which proposed a military alliance between Germany and Mexico, ultimately swayed public opinion and pushed the U.S. to join the war in April 1917.