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When World War I (WWI) broke out in Europe, Americans had not been faced with many of the questions that arose during 1917-1918. The decisions made then still impact us today. What were the three main questions that Americans and the American government had to answer for the first time regarding a world war? (U12.1) TEKS - 4(C&F), 18(B) (1 point) Responses Americans decided to ignore all questions when confronted about WWI. Americans decided to ignore all questions when confronted about WWI. Americans had to answer whether to enter WWI or not. Americans had to answer whether to enter WWI or not. Americans had to answer at what point should America entered the war. Americans had to answer at what point should America entered the war. Immigrants had to ask themselves before going to America if they really should. Immigrants had to ask themselves before going to America if they really should. Americans had to confront the impact after the war was over.

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During World War I, Americans and the American government were faced with several pivotal questions that would shape the nation’s approach to global conflicts in the years to come. The three main questions they had to answer were:

  1. Should the United States enter the war? This was a fundamental question as there was significant debate between isolationists who wanted to avoid entanglement in European conflicts and interventionists who believed that the U.S. had a responsibility to assist allied nations.

  2. What are the reasons for entering the war? Leaders needed to articulate clear reasons for involvement, such as the protection of American interests, ensuring freedom of the seas, and responding to threats posed by hostile powers (like Germany's unrestricted submarine warfare and the Zimmermann Telegram).

  3. What role should the United States play in the post-war world? After entering the war, there were discussions about America's role in shaping the peace and preventing future conflicts, which ultimately led to debates about participation in the League of Nations and considerations of isolationism vs. internationalism after the war.

These questions set crucial precedents for U.S. foreign policy in the 20th century and beyond.