A Level History - America - Practice Exam

What factor contributed to the US's initial stance of neutrality during WWI?

1. The desire for territorial expansion

2. Support for the British naval blockade

3. Anti-imperialist sentiments among the public

4. Strong military alliances in Europe

The correct answer is: Anti-imperialist sentiments among the public

The initial stance of neutrality that the United States adopted during World War I was largely influenced by anti-imperialist sentiments prevalent among the public. Many Americans were wary of getting entangled in European conflicts, which they viewed as driven by imperialist ambitions and power struggles among the great nations. This sentiment was rooted in a broader historical context where isolationism and a focus on domestic issues were favored over foreign entanglements. The anti-imperialist perspective was supported by various groups and influential figures who argued that involvement in the war would distract the nation from its own development and threaten the democratic values that the U.S. stood for. The desire to avoid being drawn into what many Americans saw as a European affair contributed significantly to the decision to remain neutral initially. In contrast, the other options reflect aspects that did not significantly influence the U.S.'s neutrality at that time. While territorial expansion had been a focus earlier in American history, it was not a driving factor for neutrality in WWI. Similarly, support for the British naval blockade was a result of the U.S. being a trade partner, but it did not equate to a desire to enter the war on the side of the Allies. Lastly, the presence of strong military alliances in Europe might have