What was the offiical united state foreign policy position when war initially broke out in Europe in 1914?

Answer 1

The policy of the United States was of neutrality. America was to have no favoritism whatsoever. The Central Powers (Germany, Austria-Hungary, and the Ottomans) and the Triple Entente (Russia, France, and Great Britain) were to have equal standing with the United States. This was a very different approach compared to that of Latin America (where the US intervened in countries over debt problems and such).

The US profited by selling the Entente supplies for the war. This was caused by the US's ties with Great Britain, the US distant relationship with the Central Powers, and geography.

Remember that the official policy was one of neutrality. However, many supported the Triple Entente due to the British controlling the flow of information. They gave the US reporters Propaganda that showed German cruelty and such.

Answer 2

Since there was only one war in Europe (close to the Vietnam era), you're probably referring to WWII. Thus, the policy was "save Europe (read Britain) first"...coined by historians and the public as "defeat Germany first."

The American people wanted to defeat Japan FIRST; Japan had attacked America...not Germany! But Churchill had been lobbying FDR for years to get into the war against Germany (to save Britain). Thus, FDR saved Churchill's Britain (first). That's why no support reached MacArthur's armies in the Philippines when it fell in 1942. US servicemen in the navy, marine corps, and army were sacrificed (the largest US surrender in US history) in order to save Great Britain FIRST.

Answer 3

The US adopted a foreign policy. After much discussion, Washington issued the Neutrality Proclamation.

Answer 4

The US decided to remain neutral in this war, however this pact did not last long.