The reason we joined in world war one was due to the germans sinking merchant ships that had US citizens on them and they were also sinking some of our own ships. Due to that President Wilson involved us in the war.
She's also jealous of Anne's relationship with her son, wanting Peter to confide in her rather than in Anne. However, Mrs. van Daan does have a few strong points. She occasionally can be reasonable and back down from fights, is generally neat and tidy, and is often easier for Anne to approach than her own mother.
