Final answer:
The repetition of 'neutral' in the text reflects the United States' initial stance of isolation from World War I despite rising pressures that eventually led to its involvement.
Step-by-step explanation:
The repetition of the word 'neutral' throughout 'How We Entered World War I' emphasizes the United States' stance in its attempt to remain isolated from World War I. This stance was challenged by various events, such as the sinking of US ships and the Zimmerman Telegram, which ultimately shifted public opinion and policy towards intervention. Despite the reluctance, strategic concerns and international developments led to a growing argument for US entry on the side of Britain and France. The term neutral is used repeatedly to highlight the challenges the US faced in maintaining its non-interventionist policy amidst increasing external pressures and internal divisions.
President Wilson, with his pacifist inclinations, aimed for the US to remain neutral to avoid internal conflict among a population that included many immigrants with ties to countries involved in the war. Additionally, the Neutrality Acts attempted to legislate America's distance from the conflict. However, as neutrality meant non-favoritism in trade, American businesses unavoidably leaned towards the Allies, supplying them with significant resources, inadvertently shaping a pro-Allied stance prior to officially entering the war.