America & The Great War: 2

War’s Effect on Women

The Great War led to significant changes in women's roles, as many took on jobs traditionally held by men who were away fighting. This shift contributed to the women's suffrage movement and increased calls for gender equality.

19th Amendment

Granted women the right to vote in the United States, ratified in 1920.

Women’s Participation in War Effort

Women contributed to the war effort by working in factories, serving in nursing roles, and taking on various roles in the military, marking a pivotal shift in societal perceptions of women's capabilities.

Treaty of Versailles

The peace treaty that ended World War I, imposing heavy reparations and territorial losses on Germany, signed in 1919.

League of Nations in Treaty

An intergovernmental organization established after World War I to promote peace and cooperation among countries, though it ultimately failed to prevent future conflicts.

Lodge Reservations and Opposition to Article X – Collective Security

The objections raised by Senator Henry Cabot Lodge and others regarding Article X of the League of Nations, emphasizing concern over mutual defense commitments that could draw the US into foreign conflicts without congressional approval.

Irreconcilables:

A group of U.S. Senators who opposed the ratification of the Treaty of Versailles and the League of Nations due to concerns over national sovereignty and collective security.

Reservationists

A group of U.S. Senators who were willing to support the League of Nations only if certain reservations were added, particularly regarding Article X, which committed the U.S. to collective security.

Administration Supporters:

A faction of U.S. senators who supported the Treaty of Versailles and the League of Nations, often endorsing the idea of collective security and the administration's foreign policy goals.

Election of 1920

Candidates:

Republican: Warren G. Harding

Democrat: James Cox (with FDR as VP candidate)

Issues

After WWI, Americans were tired of war and wanted to return to "normalcy."

Result

Harding won in a landslide.

Harding’s Personal Qualities & Shortcomings

Qualities: Friendly, easygoing, liked by many.

Shortcomings: Not very strong as a leader, often let others make decisions, involved in scandals (like Teapot Dome).

Andrew Mellon (Treasury)

cut taxes, pro-business

Washington Disarmament Conference (1921–22)

A meeting with world powers to limit naval arms and prevent future wars

Harding’s Death (1923)

Died of a heart attack while in office. Calvin Coolidge (his VP) became president.

Herbert Hoover (Commerce)

promoted efficiency and trade

Albert Fall (Interior)

involved in the Teapot Dome scandal

teapot dome Schandel

a bribery scandal involving federal oil reserves in the early 1920s.