In his Declaration of Neutrality, President Woodrow Wilson stated, "The people of the United States are drawn from many nations, and chiefly from the nations now at war." Why did the president want to keep the United States out of World War
1?
President Woodrow Wilson wanted to keep the United States out of World War 1 for several reasons:
1. Neutrality and peaceful international relations: Wilson believed that the United States should remain neutral in order to maintain peaceful international relations. He wanted to avoid being drawn into the conflicts of other nations and desired to promote a policy of non-interference.
2. Focus on domestic issues: At the time, the United States was still recovering from economic and social challenges, such as the Progressive Era reforms and the struggle for women's suffrage. Wilson believed that the country should prioritize addressing these internal issues rather than getting involved in a distant war.
3. Public opinion and political pressure: A significant portion of the American public was against entering the war. There was a sentiment of isolationism, with people believing that the United States should not involve itself in European conflicts. Wilson recognized this sentiment and felt compelled to respect the views of the American people.
4. Economic reasons: Wilson understood that entering the war would have significant economic implications. The war had severely disrupted international trade, and he wanted to protect American economic interests by not participating. By staying neutral, he believed the United States could continue trading with both sides and benefit financially.
Overall, Wilson aimed to maintain peace, focus on domestic issues, respect public sentiment, and protect American economic interests, which contributed to his desire to keep the United States out of World War 1.