Final answer:
The United States strove to maintain neutrality in European conflicts, and initially stayed neutral in World War I before eventually joining the war on the side of the Allies.
Step-by-step explanation:
The United States strove to maintain neutrality in European conflicts. Despite the pressures and interests of various European nations, the United States initially stayed neutral in World War I due to a combination of factors such as a historical practice of isolationism, reluctance to engage in European affairs, and a desire to avoid unnecessary military entanglements. However, as the war affected commerce and travel across the Atlantic, the United States recognized the challenge of maintaining neutrality and eventually joined the war on the side of the Allies.