President Wilson's initial response to the outbreak of war in Europe in 1914 was to

President Wilson's initial response to the outbreak of war in Europe in 1914 was to

• A. siding with the Allies.
• B. proclamation of America's absolute neutrality.
• C. a ban trade with any nation involved in the war.
• D. Immediately deploying U.S. troops to Europe.

Answer: (B)

The main idea being tested is how the United States approached World War I at its outset: neutrality. When war broke out in 1914, Wilson emphasized that the U.S. should stay impartial in thought and action and issued a proclamation of neutrality, choosing not to take sides. This reflected a desire to avoid entangling alliances and to protect American interests while continuing to trade, even as tensions with Britain and Germany grew. The other options don’t fit because the U.S. did not pledge to side with the Allies, did not impose a blanket trade ban on belligerents, and did not send troops to Europe immediately.

The main idea being tested is how the United States approached World War I at its outset: neutrality. When war broke out in 1914, Wilson emphasized that the U.S. should stay impartial in thought and action and issued a proclamation of neutrality, choosing not to take sides. This reflected a desire to avoid entangling alliances and to protect American interests while continuing to trade, even as tensions with Britain and Germany grew. The other options don’t fit because the U.S. did not pledge to side with the Allies, did not impose a blanket trade ban on belligerents, and did not send troops to Europe immediately.