Question

source: woodrow wilson, message to congress, august 4, 1914. the effect of the war upon the united states will depend upon what american citizens say and do. every man who really loves america will act and speak in the true spirit of neutrality, which is the spirit of impartiality and fairness and friendliness to all concerned. the spirit of the nation in this critical matter will be determined largely by what individuals and society and those gathered in public meetings do and say, upon what newspapers and magazines contain, upon what ministers utter in their pulpits, and men proclaim as their opinions upon the street. the people of the united states are drawn from many nations, and chiefly from the nations now at war. it is natural and inevitable that there should be the utmost variety of sympathy and desire among them with regard to the issues and circumstances of the conflict. some will wish one nation, others another, to succeed in the momentous struggle. it will be easy to excite passion and difficult to allay it. explain why and how wilson wishes america to remain neutral. do you think it is possible to stay fully neutral in a conflict like wwi? why or why not?

Explanation:

Wilson wishes America to remain neutral because the American population is diverse, with many having ties to the war - ring nations, and strong emotions could be easily aroused. He believes true neutrality is the spirit of impartiality and fairness. To remain neutral, he calls on all Americans to act and speak in this spirit, and for the nation's spirit to be shaped by the neutral behavior of individuals, society, the media, and religious leaders. It is difficult to stay fully neutral in a conflict like WWI as economic interests, cultural and ethnic loyalties, and public opinion can all pull a nation in different directions. Also, trade and diplomatic relations may be affected in ways that can undermine neutrality.

Answer:

1. Wilson wishes America to remain neutral because of the diverse American population with ties to war - ring nations and the potential for strong emotions. He wants Americans to act and speak in the spirit of true neutrality, and for the nation's spirit to be determined by the neutral behavior of various groups.
2. It is not possible to stay fully neutral in a conflict like WWI due to economic interests, cultural/ethnic loyalties, public opinion, and the impact on trade and diplomatic relations.