1. Isolationism: The United States had a long tradition of isolationism, which meant that it avoided involvement in foreign conflicts. Many Americans believed that the war was a European conflict and that the United States should stay out of it.
2. Economic interests: The United States had significant economic ties to both Allied and Central Powers, and many people were concerned that entering the war would damage the economy.
3. Public opposition: There was widespread public opposition to the war, particularly among pacifist and socialist groups. Many Americans did not believe that the United States had any vital interests at stake in the war.
4. Unpreparedness: The United States was not militarily prepared to enter the war. The country had a relatively small standing army and navy, and it lacked the industrial capacity to produce the necessary weapons and supplies.
5. Political considerations: President Woodrow Wilson was initially reluctant to enter the war because he feared that it would undermine his domestic agenda, which focused on progressive reforms. He also believed that the United States could play a more effective role in promoting peace by remaining neutral.
However, as the war continued and the United States became increasingly involved in it, these concerns were gradually overcome. The sinking of the Lusitania, the Zimmerman Telegram, and the unrestricted submarine warfare campaign by the Germans all helped to turn public opinion in favor of intervention. In April 1917, the United States declared war on Germany, entering the conflict on the side of the Allies.