Two groups in America sympathized with the Central Powers:
- German Americans
Many German Americans felt a sense of loyalty to their country of origin and believed that Germany was fighting a defensive war against the Allies.
- Irish Americans
Many Irish Americans were sympathetic to Germany because of their shared hatred of Britain. They believed that Germany was fighting for its independence against British imperialism.
Reasons for sympathy with the Central Powers:
- Cultural and ethnic ties: Many German Americans and Irish Americans maintained strong cultural and ethnic ties to their countries of origin. They felt a sense of kinship with the people of Germany and Austria-Hungary and shared their language, customs, and traditions.
- Historical grievances: Many German Americans and Irish Americans held grievances against the Allied powers, particularly Britain. German Americans resented Britain's role in the American Revolutionary War and the War of 1812, while Irish Americans resented British rule over Ireland.
- Pacifism and anti-war sentiment: Some Americans opposed American entry into World War I on principle. They believed that the war was a European conflict that the United States should not get involved in. Others opposed the war because they believed that it would be economically and socially disruptive to the United States.