Why did many Americans underestimate their eagerness for war?

Many Americans underestimated their eagerness for war due to a prevailing sense of isolationism and the belief that conflicts abroad would not directly affect them. Additionally, Propaganda and media often portrayed war as a noble and necessary endeavor, igniting patriotic sentiments. The disconnect between everyday life and the harsh realities of war contributed to a romanticized view of military engagement, leading to a surprising willingness to support conflict when the call to action arose.