USA HISTORY

When World War I began, the United States wanted to remain ____ The U.S. did not want to get involved in other countries’ problems.

(A) ** neutral

(B) angry

(C) forceful

(D) aggressive

Concept note-1: -When war broke out in Europe, the United States immediately declared its neutrality. President Woodrow Wilson stated that America must be “impartial in thought as well as in action.” For a century, the U.S. had stayed out of European affairs. Most Americans preferred to continue this policy.

Concept note-2: -By August, Germany, Russia, and France were all involved in the conflict. Responding to the American public who had elected him, Wilson thought it was important to retain “neutrality, ” because almost one out of every seven Americans had been born in one of the warring countries.

Concept note-3: -Americans wanted to remain neutral because we wanted to be able to trade with France and Britain. Staying neutral with France and Britain was difficult because both countries captured our trade ships.

Concept note-4: -The United States wanted to remain neutral because after WWI, most European nations refused to pay their debts. Because arms factories made so much money during the war, many Americans felt they had steered the country into war. The U.S. tried to remain neutral, but the British needed help.