In the early years of the First World War, it was difficult for America to remain neutral because

A) the United States had strong economic ties to the Allies.
B) most Americans felt the United States should enter the war at once.
C) many Wilson administration officials held pro-German sympathies.
D) Secretary of State William Jennings Bryan was decidedly pro-British.

The United States had strong economic ties to the Allies, mainly to Britain and France, which made it difficult for the country to stay neutral. American businesses had invested heavily in the Allied war effort, and the Allies had also become major customers of American goods. This economic connection made it challenging for the US to remain neutral, as the country had a significant stake in the outcome of the war.