Final answer:
At the onset of the U.S involvement in World War I, most Americans preferred a limited role, including the belief it wasn't necessary to send a large American army to Europe, defend freedom of the seas, ship war materials to Allies, and that mobilization should be voluntary. These beliefs were eventually challenged as the U.S became more involved in the war.
Step-by-step explanation:
When the U.S. entered World War I in 1917, the general public held particular beliefs regarding the scope of involvement. Most Americans weren't in favor of sending a large American army to Europe. They believed that the war was mostly a European affair, and the U.S role should be limited to diplomatic and financial backing, not military involvement.
Many didn't see the need for the Navy to defend freedom of the seas, as they considered the conflict largely confined to the European theater. Similarly, the idea of shipping war materials to the Allies was also seen as unnecessary by many, fearing it would pull the U.S further into the conflict. Finally, the majority of Americans believed mobilization for the war should be voluntary rather than compulsory as a way to limit direct involvement.
However, as the war progressed, these beliefs were challenged and, to a large extent, changed. The U.S ended up playing a significant role in the war, sending an army to Europe, providing war materials to the Allies and defending freedom of the seas.
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