Question

base your answers to questions 17 and 18 on the passage below and on your knowledge of social studies.... when i addressed the congress on the twenty - sixth of february last i thought that it would suffice to assert our neutral rights with arms, our right to use the seas against unlawful interference, our right to keep our people safe against unlawful violence. but armed neutrality, it now appears, is impracticable. because submarines are in effect outlaws when used as the german submarines have been used against merchant shipping, it is impossible to defend ships against their attacks as the law of nations has assumed that merchantmen would defend themselves against privateers or cruisers, visible craft giving chase upon the open sea.... source: president woodrow wilson, joint address to congress, 1917 17 in this address, why does president woodrow wilson conclude that neutrality is no longer a practical united states policy? (1) the german government has invaded united states territory. (2) united states ships and citizens are being attacked by german submarines. (3) the allies have committed several acts of war. (4) germany broke a series of peace treaties. 18 how did congress respond to president wilson’s 1917 address? (1) they sent negotiators to meet with representatives. (2) they voted to declare war against germany. (3) they placed an embargo on all goods shipped to and from germany. (4) they asked the league of nations to stop germany’s use of submarine warfare.

Explanation:

Question 17

To solve this, we analyze each option:

• Option (1): The passage doesn't mention invasion of US territory, so eliminate.
• Option (2): The passage says "German submarines have been used against merchant shipping" and it's impossible to defend ships, meaning US ships/citizens are attacked by German subs. This matches why neutrality is impractical.
• Option (3): The passage is about German actions, not Allied acts of war, so eliminate.
• Option (4): The passage doesn't discuss peace treaties being broken, so eliminate.

In 1917, Wilson's address was about German submarine warfare (unrestricted), leading to US entering WWI.

• Option (1): Congress didn't send negotiators; they acted on war, so eliminate.
• Option (2): Congress voted to declare war on Germany after this address, which is correct.
• Option (3): An embargo wasn't the response; declaration of war was, so eliminate.
• Option (4): The League of Nations was formed after WWI, so eliminate.

Answer:

(2) United States ships and citizens are being attacked by German submarines.

Question 18