Final answer:
The feelings of Americans toward Western culture after World War I were varied, reflecting a mix of isolationist desires and recognition of deep socio-economic changes. A return to 'normalcy' was sought, but the experiences of the war had brought irreversible alterations to American society and its global engagement.
Step-by-step explanation:
The feelings of Americans toward Western culture as a result of World War I were complex and varied due to the profound changes and challenges they faced during and after the war. After the armistice, many Americans wanted to return to 'normalcy,' a term popularized by President Harding, which suggested a withdrawal from international entanglements and a focus on domestic affairs. The sentiment of exhaustion was palpable, as the country had experienced deep divisions over international involvements, most notably the League of Nations debate, and the economic and emotional toll was considerable. American society began to exhibit three major trends reflecting a mix of both isolationism and a tacit approval of Western connections—cultural, economic, and humanitarian—amidst a climate of domestic change.
World War I had a significant impact, with women and minorities entering the workforce in unprecedented numbers due to the wartime labor shortage, which led to shifting societal roles and concerns about racial and gender equality. The end of the war left a mark on American society, from the psychological effects on returning soldiers to the ripple effects in everyday life. Thus, the response to Western culture was mixed, reflecting a nation grappling with its identity and role in the world post-World War I. American public sentiment had evolved, and while many wished for pre-war normalcy, they realized that the magnitude of the war had irreversibly altered their lives.