At the time when Wilson ascended to the presidency, the US had branched off from its isolationist tradition and had had some experience in dealing with foreign powers. Unlike his predecessors, Wilson did not have relations with Asia excluding the Philippines. In the case of Europe, past presidents had little scuffles with Europe or to had to deal with European powers invading other countries like China and Latin America. However, due to the first world war, Wilson had to play an active role in a European war. Wilson, like McKinley, was slow to declare war and opted for negotiations with Germany first instead.
