Question

The belief in our safe isolation was reinforced by Wilson, who, bent on pursuing the New Freedom through domestic reform, was irritated by the threatened interference with his program from over seas.

Based on the author's word choice, which statement best explains what the author is suggesting in this sentence?
The phrase "safe isolation" supports the belief that Wilson was doing the right thing by staying out of the war.
The use of the word "irritated" indicates that Wilson was not a strong supporter of the war.
The phrase "bent on pursuing" suggests Wilson was unaware of the looming war.
The phrase "threatened interference” indicates that Wilson was able to intimidate Germany by threatening to enter the war.

Answer 1

The second choice is best. "Irritated" shows Wilson was annoyed by foreign entanglements that would disrupt his domestic agenda, implying he was not a strong supporter of entering the war.

Why the others are wrong:
- (1) reads an opinion ("doing the right thing") into the phrase; the sentence only reports a belief in isolation, not moral approval.
- (3) "bent on pursuing" shows determination to focus on domestic reform, not ignorance of war.
- (4) misreads "threatened interference"—it refers to interference from overseas, not Wilson threatening Germany.