Initially, the sentiment in the United States leaned towards neutrality as World War 1 erupted across Europe. However, this stance began to erode, influenced significantly by events that stirred public opinion and ultimately paved the way for American involvement in the global conflict.
One pivotal moment was the sinking of the Lusitania in May 1915 by a German U-boat. This tragic event resulted in the deaths of nearly 1,200 passengers, including 128 Americans. The loss of American lives sparked outrage and condemnation across the United States, significantly swaying public opinion against Germany. Facing strong backlash from the U.S., Germany temporarily ceased unrestricted submarine warfare targeting passenger and merchant ships in the Atlantic, but the damage to public perception was already done.
Despite growing calls for intervention, pacifist sentiments remained strong. The popularity of the song “I Didn’t Raise My Boy to Be a Soldier,” which topped American music charts in 1915, underscored the widespread desire to avoid war. The lyrics emphasized peaceful resolution and questioned the value of military conflict, reflecting a deep-seated reluctance among many Americans to engage in the European war.
Countering the pacifist movement, the Preparedness Movement gained momentum, particularly in Eastern urban centers. Advocates argued for the urgent need to bolster U.S. military strength, both naval and land forces, for defensive purposes. Figures like former President Theodore Roosevelt, a vocal interventionist, actively campaigned to shape public opinion, asserting that military readiness, while not guaranteeing peace, was essential for national security.
However, support for neutrality remained a powerful force in 1916. Governor Martin Glynn of New York articulated this view at the Democratic National Convention, emphasizing the deep-rooted nature of neutrality in American policy. He cautioned against abandoning this principle and plunging the nation into the “maelstrom of the war across the sea,” highlighting the significant internal debate and division within the U.S. regarding involvement in World War I.
Ultimately, while pacifism and neutrality held considerable sway, the shift in public opinion triggered by events like the Lusitania sinking, coupled with the growing Preparedness Movement, incrementally pushed the United States away from isolationism and towards eventual entry into World War I.
