Question

the present german submarine warfare against commerce is a warfare against mankind. it is a war against all nations. american ships have been sunk, american lives lost. there is one choice we cannot make, we are incapable of making: we will not choose the path of submission and suffer the most sacred rights of our nation and our people ignored or violated. —from president wilsons war message (april 2, 1917) which of the following did president wilson give as the primary reason the united states could not remain neutral in the face of german submarine warfare? a the united states believed that germanys actions violated international law. b the united states wanted to gain control of german territories. c german submarines were targeting only american ships. d the united states wanted to showcase its naval strength.

Explanation:

Wilson's message emphasizes that German submarine warfare is "a warfare against mankind" and that the US cannot submit and have its "most sacred rights" ignored or violated. This implies a violation of international norms (as it's against all nations), which aligns with the idea of violating international law. There's no mention of wanting German territories (B), the text says German warfare is against all nations (so not just targeting American ships - C is wrong), and no indication of showcasing naval strength (D).

Answer:

A. The United States believed that Germany’s actions violated international law.