The United States could remain neutral or join the Entente without first overturning the existing command of the sea. Joining the Central Powers would expose it to British sea power unless it had invested much more heavily in defence and naval construction. Theodore Roosevelt and Alfred Thayer Mahan are cited as long-standing advocates of that preparation. Limited naval readiness narrowed American diplomatic freedom before any declaration of war.
Notable Point · 2:50:48-2:51:30
Sea control limits American alliance choices
British sea control left neutrality or alignment with the Entente far easier than joining the Central Powers.