Why did the United States remain neutral in World War I until 1917?

The United States maintained neutrality until 1917 primarily due to a long-standing policy of isolationism, avoiding entanglement in European conflicts. Additionally, there was significant divided public opinion among its diverse immigrant population, many of whom had ties to the warring nations. President Woodrow Wilson also initially sought to keep the U.S. out of the war, campaigning on a platform of peace and neutrality.