Down 1. The U.S. believed in this foreign policy prior to WWIA.

Before World War I, the United States largely adhered to a policy of isolationism, which means they focused on domestic issues and avoided entanglement in foreign conflicts. This stance was rooted in George Washington's farewell address, where he cautioned against forming permanent alliances with foreign nations. The desire to avoid the complexities of European politics kept the U.S. from engaging deeply in international affairs until circumstances, such as the sinking of the Lusitania and the Zimmerman Telegram, ultimately drew them into the conflict. As the U.S. navigated its isolationist stance, the concept of "Manifest Destiny" played a significant role in shaping public opinion and policy. This idea embodied the belief that Americans were destined to expand across the continent, emphasizing a land-of-opportunity narrative. While this drove territorial expansion in North America, it also led to tensions and conflicts, raising questions about the ethical implications of such expansionist policies as the nation approached engagement in global warfare.