Meaning: The quote you provided is a statement made by George Norris, a prominent American politician who served as a U.S. Senator from 1913 to 1943. In this quote, Norris reflects on a historical event or situation in which the United States faced a potential conflict with two other nations due to a violation of international law and interference with its neutral rights.

During Norris's time in office, the United States grappled with various international issues, particularly in the context of World War I and its aftermath. The quote suggests that the United States had the option to respond to the violation of international law and interference with its neutral rights by "defying" both offending nations and potentially going to war against them.

To fully understand the context of this quote, it is essential to explore the historical events and foreign policy challenges that the United States faced during Norris's tenure. One significant event that aligns with the themes in the quote is the unrestricted submarine warfare conducted by Germany during World War I.

At the onset of World War I, the United States initially maintained a policy of neutrality, aiming to avoid entanglement in the conflict raging in Europe. However, Germany's use of unrestricted submarine warfare, particularly the sinking of the British ocean liner Lusitania in 1915, resulted in the loss of American lives and posed a direct challenge to U.S. neutral rights and international law.

In response to these provocations, the United States grappled with the decision of how to assert its rights and uphold international law without being drawn into the war. President Woodrow Wilson's administration pursued diplomatic avenues and issued stern warnings to Germany, emphasizing the potential consequences of continued violations of U.S. neutral rights.

The quote by George Norris reflects the complex and delicate position faced by the United States during this period. The option of defying both offending nations and potentially going to war underscores the gravity of the situation and the potential consequences that the nation confronted in defending its neutral rights and upholding international law.

Norris's statement also sheds light on the debates and discussions that likely took place within the U.S. government and among policymakers regarding the best course of action in response to the violations of international law. The quote encapsulates the tension between maintaining a stance of neutrality while also asserting the nation's rights and confronting challenges to international norms.

Ultimately, the United States entered World War I in 1917, driven by a combination of factors, including Germany's submarine warfare, the Zimmermann Telegram, and broader strategic considerations. This decision marked a significant departure from the initial policy of neutrality and non-intervention.

In conclusion, George Norris's quote provides insight into the complexities of U.S. foreign policy and the challenges faced in upholding neutral rights and international law during a pivotal period in history. It encapsulates the difficult decisions and considerations that the United States grappled with as it navigated the tumultuous waters of global conflict and diplomacy.