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it halted the German advance on Paris, effectively ending the German army's Schlieffen Plan for a quick victory in World War I.
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it triggered a chain reaction that drew major powers into conflict through a complex system of alliances.
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it allowed the U.S. to initially profit from trade with both sides, focus on domestic issues, and maintain a position of impartiality.
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it heightened tensions between the U.S. and Germany, turning American public opinion against Germany and contributing to the U.S. entry into World War I.