United States, Woodrow Wilson, Neutrality WWI (the

¶ … United States, Woodrow Wilson, Neutrality WWI (the U.S. neutrality WWI) essay topic Be explain European background war triple entente show blows assasination Archduke Ferdinand war breaks theme neutrality.

The United States during the First World War

The First World War had a strong effect on society in the 1910s as people had trouble understanding who was right in fighting this conflict and if the respective power needed support in its endeavor. The condition of the U.S. is particularly interesting when considering its initial position in regard to the war, considering that the country focused on remaining neutral for the largest part of the conflict. Even though it does not rival the Second World War when considering the number of victims and its overall gravity, the First World War plays an essential part in the history of humanity because of the set of reforms that it triggered around the world. Although many countries changed external policies as a result of the conflict, the U.S. decision to abandon neutrality is especially important, given that it influenced attitudes in the country across the twentieth century and even in the early twenty-first century.

The main cause of the war is considered to be the assassination of the Austrian heir, Franz Ferdinand, in Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina. This influenced Austro-Hungarian authorities in wanting to attack Serbia with the purpose of destroying terrorist cells within the country's borders. Serbia's refusal to cooperate with Austro-Hungary later led to a mobilization of forces by Russia, France, and England on behalf of Serbia, and Germany on behalf of Austro-Hungary. Although Franz Ferdinand's murder is generally accepted as the main cause for the war, it is very likely that its background contains a series of more complex events. Nationalism dominated Europe in the early twentieth century and the fact that European governments decided to arm themselves made matters particularly critical on the continent. Russia, France, and England were alarmed as a result of Germany's armament policy and did not hesitate to go against it with the first chance that they got. Whereas France and Russia entered the war as a result of their alliance with Serbia, England entered the conflict as a consequence of the fact that Germany had invaded Belgium, thus violating its neutrality. Thus, the First World War was imminent in the years preceding it, given that most European countries were either unsatisfied with their situation or wanted to protect themselves in case they were being attacked.

At the time when the conflict broke out, President Woodrow Wilson advised American citizens to maintain an impartial attitude in regard to conditions in Europe. It was on August 19, 1914, that the U.S. put across its intentions regarding the European conflict. The President practically wanted to emphasize the fact that the U.S. needed to keep a neutral position concerning international affairs. Through adopting such an attitude, Americans would feel less concerned about matters in Europe, regardless of their gravity. The U.S. democratic commitment to peace needed to be taken into account then more than ever. Even with that, the fact that many neutral European nations and many innocent civilians were threatened by the war made it increasingly difficult for Americans to ignore the war. The U.S. virtually came across an ethical dilemma as it attempted to come up with a solution in regard to war in Europe.

The U.S. found it difficult to remain neutral in an environment dominated by countries violating international laws. Despite this, Wilson struggled to have his fellow citizens understand that it would be wrong for them to take sides. Moreover, he wanted Americans to accept that neutrality would benefit them in the long run, especially considering the resources that the country had to consume in order to join the conflict. Wilson promoted the belief that all Americans were responsible for the fate of their country in an attempt to have them refrain from performing any kind of activities that affected the nation as a whole. The President was well aware of the fact that many Americans had roots in Europe and that they would pressure him in joining the war in order to assist their home countries.

Whereas most Americans were initially unhesitant about supporting Wilson's position and actually encouraged neutrality, matters gradually changed as the U.S. started to demonstrate its connection with the Allied forces as a result of the amounts of resources it exported at the time. Moreover, England took advantage of the contraband law to seize American vessels heading to Germany. Even though it did not enter the war at first, the U.S. practically supported the Allies with everything ranging from resources to loans.

Whereas Wilson installed the neutrality policy with the purpose of avoiding any kind of connection to the war, American relations with warring nations made it especially difficult for him to avoid a serious disaster that would involve the U.S. In the conflict. Wilson performed great efforts in order to stop the war and related to establishing an organization that would prevent conflicts from happening and that would set a series of regulations assisting international powers in reducing their amount of weaponry, in making seas a safe place for anyone regardless of circumstances, and in promoting democratic beliefs to everyone.