Question

With global interconnectedness on the rise, the conviction of the United States to remain neutral in World War I seemed ever more ________________. a. presumptuous b. futile c. contemptuous d. pragmatic e. admirable

Short answer

b. futile

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the Sentence Context

Firstly, comprehend the situation in the sentence. 'Global interconnectedness' suggests the close relationships, or links, between different countries. During World War I, the U.S. chose to remain 'neutral', meaning they tried not to take sides in the conflict. The question seeks a word that correctly characterizes this decision, given the context of global interconnectedness.

Analyzing the Answer Options

Evaluate each of the given options in the context of the sentence. 'Presumptuous' means excessively forward or confident, making assumptions. 'Futile' suggests something that is pointless or ineffective. 'Contemptuous' means showing disdain or disrespect. 'Pragmatic' means practical or sensible. 'Admirable' describes something deserving of admiration, praise, or esteem.

Choosing the Suitable Word

With the meanings of the options in context, it can be gathered that option 'b. futile' suits best in the sentence. The word 'futile' implies that regardless of the U.S.'s attempt to stay neutral in the war, the increasing interconnectedness of nations makes it unlikely for this decision to have any impact. The backdrop of global interconnectedness and world conflict renders the decision to remain neutral relatively 'futile' as it's presumably ineffective and possibly ineffectual.

Key concepts

World War I

World War I, also known as the Great War, was a global conflict that lasted from 1914 to 1918. It involved many of the world’s great powers which were divided into two main alliances: the Allies, led by France, the United Kingdom, and Russia; and the Central Powers, led by Germany, Austria-Hungary, and the Ottoman Empire.
World War I was marked by significant events that shaped the world's history, such as trench warfare, the use of chemical weapons, and large-scale battles like the Battle of the Somme and the Battle of Verdun.
Despite its brevity, the war had profound impacts, including the reshaping of European borders and setting the stage for World War II.

• The war initially started in Europe, but the interconnected nature of international alliances meant that it quickly spread across the globe.
• The United States initially aimed to remain neutral, prioritizing domestic issues and trading with both sides until ultimately joining the Allies in 1917 due to several provocations.

Understanding the dynamics of World War I is crucial for comprehending changes in military strategies and international relations in the 20th century.

Global Interconnectedness

Global interconnectedness refers to the increasing interlinking of nations through economic, political, and social relations. In the context of World War I, this meant that even countries far from the European battlefields, like the United States, felt the impact of the war.
The interconnectedness was seen through trade relationships, communication advancements, and political alliances. As countries became more reliant on one another, separating completely from global affairs became practically impossible.

• Technological advancements such as the telephone and telegraph allowed for quicker communication across long distances, enhancing the connectivity between nations.
• Economic ties grew stronger, as nations traded goods, services, and capital, making them economically dependent on one another.
• This interconnected nature meant that an event like a war in Europe could affect countries worldwide, influencing their political and economic decisions.

It is this same interconnectedness that made the U.S.'s neutrality in World War I a challenging stance, as international ties always had a potential influence on its internal and external affairs.

Vocabulary Context

Understanding vocabulary in context is crucial for sentence completion exercises, such as those found in GRE exams. When dealing with such questions, it is essential to analyze the sentence structure and the relationships between the words.
In the example provided, the word to fill the blank needed to describe the U.S.'s attempt at neutrality amidst rising global interconnectedness. The word 'futile' was chosen because it best fits the situation.

• 'Futile' implies that the attempt was incapable of producing a useful result, highlighting the challenges of maintaining neutrality.
• To ensure complete understanding, one must evaluate the meaning of other potential choices: 'presumptuous,' 'contemptuous,' 'pragmatic,' and 'admirable,' none of which accurately matched the contextual need.
• Practicing vocabulary in different contexts can help build a solid foundation for understanding nuanced meanings and implications.

Knowing the word meanings individually and within context aids in finding the correct answer efficiently.

Neutrality in Conflict

Neutrality in conflict is a complex stance where a country chooses not to support any side involved in a disagreement or war. During World War I, the United States favored neutrality initially, believing this approach would protect its national interests and maintain peace.
Neutrality can be challenging, especially in a context of global interconnectedness, where alliances, economic ties, or illegal acts against neutral nations can pull them into conflict.

• The U.S. faced difficulties due to unrestricted submarine warfare by Germany, which targeted neutral ships.
• Another factor was economic, as both the Allies and Central Powers were significant trade partners for the U.S., making neutrality difficult to maintain.
• Eventually, several factors led to the U.S. joining the war in 1917, showing how intertwined relations can disrupt neutrality.

Neutrality in international conflict reflects the delicate balance countries strive to maintain between isolation and involvement, an endeavor often influenced by broader geopolitical contexts.