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At the onset of World War I, what was the United States official policy regarding involvement in the war?

User Runnerpaul
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2 Answers

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26 votes

Answer:

Strict and Impartial Neutrality

Step-by-step explanation:

Before World War One, the United States maintained its neutrality, and a majority of Americans supported this position, saying that they should "leave the Europeans sort it out." The Americans, however, began to change their minds as the war went on. They began to view Germany as the bad guy due to the horrors she committed in Belgium and The Sinking of the Passenger Liner RMS Lusitania by U-20. The loss of American ships and eventually America's admission into the war were the final straw, though, when Germany started unrestricted submarine warfare in the Atlantic. Additionally, the "Zimmerman Telegraph," which British Intelligence decrypted, essentially promised that Germany would aid Mexico in regaining the territory she lost to the US during the Mexico-American War. liner RMS Lusitania by U-20. The US's role in World War One is controversial; the Axis forces were already on the verge of defeat, but we did contribute to the conflict's speedy conclusion. Germany bet that it would be a year or more before enough US troops arrived to make a difference. They were wrong; the shattered French and British were delighted to see roughly 10,000 American workers arrive daily. Fresh reserves boosted their morale, but Germany's suffered since she could no longer make up the losses she was suffering. The ordinary allied soldier was nourished and equipped better than his Axis counterpart thanks to material aid; this influx of aid also lessened the load on France/logistical Britain's capabilities. In conclusion, America's engagement in the wars simply served to hasten their ending since the Allies were going to win WW1 or get a favorable cease-fire.

User Oded Niv
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23 votes
23 votes

Answer:

Strict Neutrality

Step-by-step explanation:

The United States had long been a nation with a strong isolationist mindset. This dated all the way back to Washington's farewell address in 1796, where he warned against establishing permanent alliances with foreign nations, especially in times of conflict. The country was to instead practice a friendly neutrality as to not be entangled with someone else's conflict, thus creating new enemies.

During WWI, President Wilson supported Americans' idea to keep out of the war. However, America offered financial support and exported military supplies to her allies in Britain and France. This led to Germany patrolling the waters for U.S. vessels carrying military aid, resulting in the sinking of the Lusitania in 1915, killing 1,200 people, and 128 Americans. This was seen as a direct act of war by Germany against the United States, thus officially entering America into WWI.

User Anish Bhatt
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