By 1915 Events of World War I were Already Involving the United States GMAT Reading Comprehension

Reading Passage Question

By 1915 events of World War I were already involving the United States and threatening its neutrality. The sinking of the British liner Lusitania in that year by a German submarine caused great resentment among Americans. Over a hundred United States citizens were killed in the incident. President Wilson had frequently deplored the use of submarines by Germany against the United States. Since the United States was neutral, it was not liable to acts of war by another nation.

However, Wilson resolved to represent the strong feeling in the country (notably in the Midwest) and in the Democratic Party that United States neutrality should be maintained. He felt that the United States should have “peace with honor,” if possible. There were also people, mostly in the East, who wanted to wage a preventive war against Germany. Such leaders as Theodore Roosevelt bitterly attacked Wilson as one who talked a great deal but did nothing.

By 1917 Germany again used unrestricted submarine warfare and Wilson broke off relations with Germany. In February British agents uncovered the Zimmerman. This was an attempt by the German ambassador to Mexico to involve that nation in a war against the United States. And in March several American merchant ships were sunk by German submarines. His patience at an end, Wilson at last took the position of a growing majority of Americans and asked Congress to declare war on Germany. Thus, the United States entered World War I.

“By 1915 Events of World War I were Already Involving the United States” is a GMAT reading comprehension passage with answers. Candidates must have a solid grip in English GMAT reading comprehension. There are 3 multiple choice questions in the above GMAT Reading Comprehension passages. GMAT Reading Comprehension Questions are delineated to evaluate candidates’ abilities to analyze and be conceptual for the answers. Candidates can brace up and take preparation by answering GMAT Reading Comprehension Practice Questions.

Solution and Explanation

1. This passage tries to explain that

(A) Wilson wanted the United States to go to war against Germany
(B) Wilson tried to avoid war with Germany
(C) Germany wanted the United States to enter the war
(D) other nations were pressuring the United States to enter the war
(E) Mexico was our main enemy

2. We can conclude from the passage that most citizens of the United States in 1917 were

(A) totally opposed to war with Germany
(B) in favor of war before Wilson was
(C) willing to accept war after Wilson persuaded them
(D) neutral
(E) trying to avoid war

3. The last event in the series of happenings that led to a declaration of war against Germany was

(A) the Zimmerman 
(B) attacks on U.S. merchant ships
(C) Wilson’s war message to Congress
(D) a change in public opinion
(E) the sinking of the Lusitania

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