Read the following passage about the Zimmermann telegram. Select the text that most clearly states President Woodrow Wilson's desire to keep the United States out of the war.

Question

"Unbending to the public cry for immediate war, Wilson did not want to make matters worse. Instead, he sought to punish the Germans by instructing Lansing to break diplomatic relations with Germany. A month later, Wilson asked Congress to allow the arming of U.S. flag merchant ships but was turned down. Using his executive powers, he then directed Secretary of Navy Josephus Daniels to place naval armed guards aboard American vessels. Even with guns fixed on the decks of civilian ships, they proved no match for the deadly U-boats. On March 20, Wilson called a cabinet meeting to gauge feelings about going to war. Each of his cabinet members thought war against Germany was the only option."

Answer 1

The text that most clearly states President Woodrow Wilson's desire to keep the United States out of the war is: "Unbending to the public cry for immediate war, Wilson did not want to make matters worse." This indicates his reluctance to engage in conflict despite external pressures.