world war 1 discussion review

What happens when nations submit disputes for six months?

War is delayed and pushed into the background.

Why does submitting disputes reduce war?

Bad causes collapse under world judgment.

What does Wilson compare world judgment to?

Neighbors judging a person’s ideas.

Why do bad-cause individuals “stay home”?

They fear public judgment.

What law applies to both individuals and nations?

The same moral law of public accountability.

What does Wilson say about claims the U.S. loses power in the League?

They are lies or come from people who haven’t read the Covenant.

Which bodies hold League of Nations power?

The Council and the Assembly.

Which major powers have permanent Council seats?

U.S., Britain, France, Italy, Japan.

How many smaller nations sit on the Council?

Four.

Where do all active League policies originate?

The Council.

What voting rule does the Council use for action?

Unanimous vote.

What does unanimity mean for the U.S.?

The League cannot act without U.S. consent.

What does Wilson call Article 10?

The heart of the Covenant.

What does Article 10 guarantee?

Territorial integrity and political independence.

What does the second sentence of Article 10 say?

The Council advises what steps may be needed.

What does Wilson stress about the word “advise”?

It only means “advise,” not force.

Can the U.S. be advised to do something it rejects?

No, advice requires the U.S. vote.

What might unanimity do to the League’s strength?

It may weaken vigor but protects independence.

What can the U.S. prevent using its Council vote?

Being drawn into unwanted actions.

What does Article 10 “strike at,” according to Wilson?

The root of imperialistic war.

Why would Wilson have felt lonely at the peace table?

If he thought he was proposing only his ideas.

Whose moral judgment did Wilson claim to represent?

The American people’s.

What acted as Wilson’s “instructions”?

The Fourteen Points.

Were the Fourteen Points Wilson’s personal ideas?

No, he believed they reflected the nation.

What did nations accept the Fourteen Points as?

The basis for both the armistice and peace.

What did Wilson mean by crossing “under bond”?

He felt obligated to the U.S. and other nations.

What does the Covenant say about domestic issues?

They remain under full national control.

Why are fears about U.S. sovereignty false?

The Covenant specifically protects it.

What does the Covenant state about the Monroe Doctrine?

It remains unchanged and valid.

Why does Wilson re-explain familiar points?

To correct false claims.

What two choices does Wilson say America faces?

Accept or reject the League—no middle option.

Why can’t the U.S. join on special terms?

It must enter on equal terms with other nations.

What does Wilson warn will happen if the U.S. rejects the League?

America will stand apart with dangerous pride.

What would rejecting the League force the U.S. to maintain?

A huge standing army and powerful navy.

What danger comes from a military nation?

Mobilization and preparation for war.

Who are Wilson’s “clients” in this case?

The children and the next generation.

What promise did Wilson make regarding soldiers who died in France?

He vowed no future generation would face the same sacrifice.

Why do mothers thank Wilson?

They believe their sons died for liberty and justice, not for power.

Why does Wilson call the soldiers “crusaders”?

They fought for justice and right, not national might.

What significance do the soldiers’ sacrifices have worldwide?

They inspired global belief in America and justice.

What would happen if the U.S. abandoned its Allies?

The meaning of the soldiers’ sacrifices would be diminished.

What does Wilson say the League will prevent?

Wars caused by imperialistic ambition.

How does public opinion affect nations?

It exposes bad causes and keeps nations accountable.

What is the “most dangerous thing for a bad cause”?

Exposure to the judgment of the world.

What will happen if a nation is in the wrong?

It will shrink from public scrutiny.

Why is the League “simon-pure,” according to Wilson?

It fully embodies the principles of justice and right.

What does Wilson emphasize about the Fourteen Points?

They represented the moral judgment of Americans.

Why did Wilson include the Fourteen Points at the peace table?

To guide negotiations toward a fair peace.

What was the U.S. role in the Council’s unanimous vote?

It ensures America cannot be forced into action.

How does Wilson describe Article 10’s first sentence?

It guarantees protection of all member nations.

What is the purpose of Article 10’s second sentence?

The Council can advise on enforcing guarantees.

Why does Wilson stress “advise” in Article 10?

Advice is not mandatory; the U.S. chooses.

How does the League protect U.S. independence?

No action occurs without U.S. consent.

What might critics fear about Article 10?

That it forces America into foreign conflicts.

Why does Wilson reject these fears?

Because the U.S. can always veto by its vote.

What does Wilson believe the League achieves?

Peace and prevention of future wars.

How does Article 10 impact “ambitious nations”?

It removes incentives for aggressive conquest.

What would U.S. rejection of the League cause militarily?

Maintenance of a large army and navy.

How does Wilson view standing armies?

As a preparation for war he wants to avoid.

Why did soldiers fight in France, according to Wilson?

To secure liberty and prevent future wars.

How does Wilson describe the soldiers’ role?

They were crusaders for justice and right.

What is the “halo” Wilson mentions?

The honor and meaning of soldiers’ sacrifices.

What does he say about American pride if the League is rejected?

It could become dangerous and isolating.

What are the stakes if America does not join the League?

Loss of a global guaranty for peace.

How did Wilson assure other nations of U.S. intentions?

By committing to the moral judgment of Americans.

What is the connection between the Fourteen Points and the League?

Points formed the basis for the League and the peace treaty.

What is Wilson’s argument about “equal terms”?

The U.S. must join the League fully, not partially.

How does Wilson address the idea of “special privileges”?

He rejects it; all nations enter equally.

What lesson does Wilson draw from the soldiers’ deaths?

Sacrifice was for universal liberty, not national power.

What global effect did U.S. soldiers have?

Inspired worldwide belief in justice and American ideals.

Why are mothers’ blessings significant?

They recognize the higher purpose of their sons’ deaths.

What would partial League membership risk?

Weakening U.S. influence and moral authority.

How does Wilson describe the League’s simplicity?

It has only two main bodies: Council and Assembly.

What is the role of the Assembly?

General discussion among all member nations (less active than Council).

Why did Wilson travel to Paris?

To negotiate a peace reflecting U.S. moral judgment.

How does Wilson describe the U.S. vote on League actions?

It protects America from unwanted obligations.

What is the Council’s composition?

Major Allied powers plus four smaller nations.

Why is unanimity critical in the Council?

No action can occur without agreement, ensuring U.S. control.

What does Wilson say about the League weakening vigor?

Slightly, but independence is preserved.

How does Wilson relate the League to future wars?

It reduces causes of war and promotes deliberate counsel.

What is the moral principle behind exposing a bad cause?

Public judgment reveals right and wrong.

How does Wilson describe the U.S. responsibility to the dead soldiers?

Protect future generations from similar sacrifice.

What is the ultimate goal of joining the League?

Securing lasting world peace.

How does Wilson defend the League against critics?

By explaining its structure and safeguards.

What does Wilson see as the “taproot of war”?

Imperialistic ambitions.

What does the League require from ambitious nations?

Renouncing territorial conquest.

How does Wilson describe his accountability?

Bound to Americans’ judgment and international promises.

Why does Wilson emphasize consent in League actions?

To reassure the public of U.S. sovereignty.

How did the Allies respond to the Fourteen Points?

They accepted them as the basis for peace.

What lesson does Wilson offer about moral courage?

Right prevails when exposed to public opinion.

What role does the Council play in enforcement?

Advises on measures to maintain integrity, subject to U.S. vote.

Why does Wilson stress children as his “clients”?

His duty is to protect future generations from war.

How does Wilson link the League to the soldiers’ sacrifices?

The League ensures their deaths were not in vain.

Why is the Covenant described as explicit?

It guarantees independence and domestic control.

What is Wilson’s warning about isolationism?

It leads to dangerous pride and military buildup.

How does the League support global justice?

By uniting nations against aggression and protecting sovereignty.

What would rejecting the League say about U.S. values?

It would diminish moral leadership and global credibility.

How does Wilson connect public opinion to peace?

Open discussion deters wrongdoing, promoting stability.

What is the connection between the U.S. vote and world opinion?

America’s consent ensures fairness while shaping global decisions.