Final answer:
The official U.S. stance on World War I prior to 1917 was isolationist. Despite engaging in trade predominantly with the Allies, President Woodrow Wilson and the U.S. government aimed to avoid intervention in the conflict. However, a series of events, including the sinking of U.S. vessels and the Zimmermann Telegram, eventually led to a shift towards intervention on the side of the Allies in 1917. Option d.
Step-by-step explanation:
The official stance of the United States on World War I prior to 1917 was isolationist. The policy of isolationism was characterized by a reluctance to become entangled in foreign wars and conflicts. While the U.S. engaged in trade with both the Allied and Central Powers, it was largely swayed by British influence on naval operations and its blockade against Germany, which resulted in significantly more American trade and financial credit being extended to the Allies. Despite this trade imbalance and an ongoing attempt to remain neutral, there were rising tensions and eventual provocations, such as the sinking of U.S. ships and the Zimmermann Telegram, which challenged this neutrality. Yet, prior to 1917, the U.S. stance remained one of non-intervention.
President Woodrow Wilson, reflecting the isolationist sentiment, strove to maintain U.S. neutrality due to various reasons, including the divisive potential in a nation with a significant immigrant population from warring European nations. There was concern that intervention in the war would polarize these communities and undermine support for any potential U.S. engagement in the conflict. It wasn't until strategic concerns, the potential German victory, and the Russian Revolution threatened broader interests that some Americans began to argue for intervention on the side of Britain and France.
Even with the tilt toward the Allies in terms of trade and finance, the official U.S. stance remained isolationist until its entry into World War I in April 1917.