XII.

Wilson Attempts to Maintain Neutrality

When fighting broke out in Europe after the 1914 assassination of Austrian archduke Francis Ferdinand in Sarajevo, Bryan’s generation reacted with disgust. Two decades of imperialistic competition among the major powers ultimately led to the kind of opposing alliances that the United States had attempted to avoid since the presidency of Washington. Although it was clear from the outset that Wilson’s sympathies were with Britain and its allies and against the Central Powers—Germany and Austria-Hungary—the president immediately urged the public to remain neutral “in fact as well as in name.” Wilson’s diplomatic efforts to negotiate a cease-fire, although futile, underscored his idealism and desire to maintain neutrality. Wilson hoped to safeguard freedom of trade and to maintain the open door policy.