- Peace and Prosperity: The United States enjoyed peace and economic prosperity during the early years of World War I. The focus was mainly on international trade, manufacturing, and domestic business. America expanded economically while supplying necessary goods to both the Allied and Central Powers nations.
- Isolationism Policy: U.S. neutrality aligned well with its prevailing policy of isolationism. Many Americans held the view that direct involvement in European affairs would result in entanglements and negative consequences.
- War Profits: As a neutral nation, U.S. businesses, particularly those in industrial sectors, benefited from trade with all sides of the conflict. The economic boom further propelled the country into a period of robust growth.
Disadvantages of the United States staying neutral in World War I:
- Loss of Influence: By remaining neutral, the U.S. missed opportunities to shape post-war international diplomacy. The victors of the war formed the League of Nations, but U.S. absence diminished potential American influence in global decision-making.
- Limited Impact: The neutrality of the U.S. hindered its capability to actively assist the Allied forces and potentially shorten the war. In a longer war, the human toll and economic devastation could have been considerably worse.
- Changing Public Sentiment: American public opinion experienced shifts during the war, with many feeling conflicted about the nation's neutrality. Incidents such as the sinking of the Lusitania, unrestricted submarine warfare, and German espionage within U.S. borders gradually eroded support for the neutrality stance.
- Delayed U.S. Preparedness: Delaying active participation in the war resulted in limited preparedness and a rush to mobilize forces when the country finally entered the conflict in 1917. The delayed involvement meant American soldiers had less experience compared to their European counterparts, potentially resulting in a higher death toll.
Overall, the choice of neutrality initially favored U.S. interests economically, but it also meant losing influence in shaping the post-war world. Public sentiment and diplomatic considerations influenced the eventual shift towards American involvement.