U.S. Neutrality in World War I

When World War I broke out in Europe, Woodrow Wilson announced that the United States would stay out of European affairs and remain neutral. Wilson was aware that the United States had no interest in the matters that did not directly affect the interests of America citizens. He hoped that the United States would remain neutral and continue to trade with warring nations. The American view of neutrality meant we were entitled to safely and freely trade with either side at war as long as it was out in the open seas.

The United States hoped to stay out of the way because war was viewed as wasteful, irrational, and immoral. There was no reason for the U.S. to intervene with European affairs. In addition, Wilson was aware of the huge immigrant populations whom have come to the United States just recently from those nations currently at war. Many immigrants, such as the Irish, would not support the war because of their previous hatred toward Great Britain.

Great Britain controlled a big portion of the sea during this time and was the first to set up a blockade between the United States and Germany. The United States protested but Britain continued to force American ships to be searched for food, medical supplies, and steel before reaching Germany. Although the United States was against the blockade, it had very little impact on the U.S. economy. With Great Britain going to war, the United States produced enough war-related exports to pull them out of its prewar recession. Although Wilson claimed neutrality, he held sympathetic feelings toward Great Britain. After all, the Americans shared language and culture to the English in contrast to Germany who ruled their nation in a more militaristic manner. Because Wilson did nothing in response to Great Britain's violation of American neutrality, Germany saw this as an indication of siding with the English.

Germany getting desperate with no trade with the U.S., their economy was frantically crumbling. In retaliation, Germany violated the international warfare law by attacking with submarines without warning. Wilson's response: Germany must stop the blockade or face the consequences. Wilson agrees to reach a deal with Germany after they publish a statement to negotiate even though both France and Great Britain have proclaimed that this war would end with total victory over Germany. Wilson is trapped by his own ultimatum. In the end, the United States sided against Germany,