Question

It is true that prior to 1914 the United States often had

been disturbed by events in other Continents. We had even
engaged in two wars with European nations and in a
number of undeclared wars in the West Indies, in the
Mediterranean and in the Pacific for the maintenance of
American rights and for the principles of peaceful
commerce. But in no case had a serious threat been raised
against our national safety or our continued independence.
What is the theme of this excerpt?
A. America's history as a peaceful nation
B. America's history of international involvement
C. A new kind of threat to American security
D. The responsibility for Americans to avoid involvement in war

Answer 1

The theme of the excerpt is America's history of international involvement, highlighting the United States' participation in various conflicts to defend its interests but without facing a major threat to its safety or independence before World War I.

Step-by-step explanation:

The theme of the provided excerpt refers to America's history of international involvement. The passage outlines that while the United States experienced skirmishes and wars with European nations and undertook military actions to defend American rights and principles of peaceful commerce, it was not until World War I that a significant threat challenged the nation's safety or independence. The context of the excerpt, which discusses America's previous wars and international actions alludes to active engagement yet maintains the position that prior to 1914, the US did not face challenges to its sovereignty on the same scale as World War I presented.