AMH2020 Week 5

What caused WWI?

The militarization of Germany caused other European countries to begin building up their militaries as well and create numerous treaties and alliances between the US and European countries. Because of this, one assassination caused a domino of attacks and created WWI.

What was the US status quo before entering WWI?

The US initially wanted to remain neutral on WWI and avoid it entirely, although they still sold military supplies to countries in the war. They also had a small army and didn’t see any need to grow it.

What was the atmosphere at home during the war?

there was a wave of patriotism and support for it amongst civilians. There was a massive amount of war bonds purchased, and many people (especially women) volunteered in the Red Cross to help soldiers. There was also an increase in anti-German (and by consequence, anti-immigrant) sentiment (ex: American Protective League)

What was the American Protective League?

an org that made people sign a pledge to stay on the lookout for “German sympathizers” (which German immigrants were automatically assumed to be).

What was the US’ role in the war?

Creating the Selective Service Act (Military Draft) b/c there weren't enough volunteers, and creating the Espionage Act and 1918 Sedition Act which made it illegal to promote anti-war ideas.

Overall idea: force people to join the war and suppress protests against it 

What did Schenck do?

Mailed flyers protesting the draft

What was the impact of Schenck v US?

Schenck v US led the SCOTUS to establish the “Clear and Present Danger” rule, which says that our freedom of speech (amnd 1) is not absolute.

What were Pres Wilson’s goals for the war?

President Wilson believed that America’s role in the world was to make it “Safe for democracy.” This meant he wanted to spread democracy and create reform across the globe. He planned to do this with the 14 points, which included creating the League of Nations

What was the League of Nations?

An organization that promotes discussion and compromise among countries, with the goal of reducing millitaries and the need for war entirely.

How did the Prog Era influence Wilson’s goals?

The Progressive Era influenced Wilson’s goals by leading him to create the 14 points, which all contain prog ideas—transparency, democracy, and reform internationally.

Why didn’t the senate approve of the League of Nations?

They were concerned over a scenario in which one country in the league went rogue, and all countries in the league would have to go to war, including the US. The senate did not want to risk getting involved in another war.

What is consumerism?

The practice of buying things that are not necessities (phone w/ 3 cameras)

Why did Americans embrace consumerism?

Americans embraced consumerism due to disillusionment from the democracy crusade, or Wilson’s failed attempt to get the US to join the League of Nations.

What made mass production possible?

mechnization and electricity

Who was consumerism targeted towards? Why?

Women bc it was assumed that men weren’t making the choice to buy, women were

what was the role of advertising? What is an example of this?

To sell products to as many people as possible.

ex: more women consuming beauty products–Makeup changed from only being worn by prostitutes to being worn by respectable women

What are some examples of 1920s consumerism?

The Radio, Automobile, Consumer Credit

What was consumerism’s cultural and social impact?

• The radio impacted the way people listened to music: instead of playing and singing along, people would just listen to a song on the radio.

• The automobile boom impacted how men and women related to each other by creating the practice of “going out” on dates, leading to the system of courtship dying away.

• Consumer credit changed the way Americans thought about money–they went from being very thrifty to prioritizing having a product as soon as possible, with no concern over taking on debt.