Reasons for War (Continued)
American sentiment was generally on the side of the Allies. Germany was ruled by Kaiser Wilhelm, who was an autocrat. Great Britain’s ally, Russia, was also ruled by an autocrat until the Russian monarchy under Czar Nicholas II was forced out by the Bolsheviks, and Russia became a Republic.
President Woodrow Wilson declared the United States neutral in order to protect America’s investments overseas. His campaign slogans for reelection included “He kept us out of war!” Groups, including the American Union Against Militarism, formed to call for peace.
Manufactured goods were shipped to European countries and the naval strength of both Great Britain and Germany blocked ships carrying goods from the United States to Europe. Groups, including industrialists, were forced to call for a state of “preparedness” in the United States. The National Security League began work to prepare Americans for the possibility of war.