What role did the policies of isolationism and neutrality play in US decisions about World War 1?

The policies of isolationism and neutrality significantly influenced the United States' initial response to World War I, as many Americans favored staying out of European conflicts. This sentiment was rooted in a desire to avoid the entanglements of foreign wars and the devastating consequences they brought. However, as the war progressed, factors such as unrestricted submarine warfare and the Zimmerman Telegram shifted public opinion and led to a reevaluation of isolationist policies, ultimately resulting in the U.S. entering the war in 1917. Thus, while isolationism delayed involvement, it also set the stage for a pivotal transformation in U.S. foreign policy.