ABSTRACT
The military preparedness controversy and Mexican imbroglio were foreign policy concerns that temporarily diverted the peace movement from its focus on neutral mediation of the Great War. To the American pacifists, preparedness would lead the nation closer to military involvement in the European conflict and the abandonment of the nation's traditional aloofness from European power politics and civilian control of the military, while recklessly embarking on war with Mexico would needlessly undermine the nation's credibility as a peacemaker. Believing that the outcome of the two issues would have momentous repercussions for the future of the Republic, they did not hesitate to express their views and organize like-minded citizens in support of their positions.
