ABSTRACT
The involvement of the United States in WWI was definitely one of the most vital moments in the nation's history that helped solidify its importance in world affairs, especially those dominated by Western powers. This power would continue to grow, and with the start of WWI, courting or discouraging American involvement became a major concern among the warring European powers. European attitudes towards the US took an interesting turn with the start of the Civil War. The idea of nationalism is relatively new in terms of human history. The need to protect the acquired territories, while attempting to add more area, would increase tensions. Many do not realize that the nuclear arms race of the twentieth century was not the first time an arms race occurred. It could be argued this would fall under Nationalism, but the racial and ethnic tensions existing in Europe at the time, especially within the Austria-Hungary empire, was an important reason.
