Final answer:
Most Americans understood that World War I would not last long, would cost American lives, and could potentially help the US economy.
Step-by-step explanation:
Before the United States entered World War I, most Americans understood that the war would not last long, that it would cost American lives, and that it could potentially help the US economy.
Many believed that the war would be over quickly, as they were influenced by European conflicts in the past, such as the Franco-Prussian War. They underestimated the scale and complexity of World War I.
Additionally, some Americans thought that the war could be beneficial for the US economy, as it could create new markets for American goods and stimulate industrial growth.
Learn more about Understanding of World War I before US involvement