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7.2 WWI
7.2 Foreign Policy and U.S. Entry into World War I
Roosevelt's domestic policy differed from his predecessor, but he concurred with his foreign policy.
Roosevelt was an even more devout imperialist than McKinley, strongarming Cuba into accepting the Platt Amendment which committed Cuba to American control.
The US occupied Cuba for 10 years (1906-1922), causing anti-American sentiments.
Roosevelt's actions in Central America were equally interventionist, building a canal through the Central American isthmus and supporting the revolution in Panama for a better deal.
The Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine, also known as the Big Stick Policy, was used to justify repeated military intervention in Latin America due to the assertion of a threat to American security.
American foreign policy adhered to the Monroe Doctrine which asserted America's right to intervene in the Western Hemisphere to protect national security.
Woodrow Wilson won the election of 1912 with a policy of neutrality, but it posed immediate problems due to close relationships with England and relatively distant relationship with Germany and Austria-Hungary.
When war broke out in Europe, Wilson declared US policy of neutrality, but it was complicated due to the close relationship with England and their effective blockade.
Germany attempted to counter the blockade with submarines, but the sinking of the Lusitania led to condemnation from the government and public.
Wilson's efforts to stay out of the war and the events that ultimately drew the US into the conflict.
World War I and Its Aftermath
World War I and Government Expansion of Power
Government took control of telephone, telegraph, and rail industries
Created War Industry Board (WIB) to coordinate all aspects of industrial and agricultural production
WIB had mixed success due to being slow and inefficient
Curtailed individual civil liberties during the war
The Espionage Act and Sedition Act
Congress passed the Espionage Act in 1917 and the Sedition Act in 1918 in response to opposition to U.S. involvement in the war
Espionage Act prohibited interference with the war effort or draft through the U.S. mail system
Sedition Act made it illegal to try to prevent the sale of war bonds or speak disparagingly of the government, military, or Constitution
Laws violated the spirit of the First Amendment but were vague, giving the courts great leeway in interpretation
Schenck v. United States
Supreme Court upheld the Espionage Act in 1919 in three separate cases, the most notable being Schenck v. United States
Schenck was arrested and convicted for violating the Espionage Act by printing and mailing leaflets urging men to resist the draft
Supreme Court ruled that freedom of speech and civil liberties could be curtailed if actions posed a “clear and present danger” to others or the nation
Suppression of Unpopular Ideas
Laws soon became useful tools for suppression of anyone who voiced unpopular ideas
Era of increased paranoia due to the Russian Revolution of 1917 and fear of communist takeover
Radical labor unions and leaders branded enemies of the state and incarcerated
New government agency, Federal Bureau of Investigation, created to prevent radical takeover
Business and Labor Union Changes
Business assumed greater power while unions lost power
Strikebreakers and forceful tactics against unions increased under pretext of stamping out radicalism
The Palmer Raids
In early 1920, government raided suspected radical groups around the country in the Palmer Raids
Government abandoned all pretext of respecting civil liberties as agents raided union halls, pool halls, social clubs, and residences
Over 10,000 arrested in over 30 cities, but few weapons or bombs were found
500 immigrants were eventually deported
Committee on Public Information (CPI)
Government helped create frenzied atmosphere through its wartime propaganda arm, the Committee on Public Information (CPI)
CPI messages grew more sensational as the war progressed
Image of Germans as cold-blooded, baby-killing, power-hungry Huns created through lectures, movie theaters, newspapers, and magazines
Americans rejected all things German, changed name of sauerkraut to “liberty cabbage”
Acts of violence against German immigrants and Americans of German descent.
Wartime Opportunities for Women
Change in means of employment
Many women quit domestic work and started in factories
At one point, 20% of factory jobs held by women
End of workplace advances with return of veterans
The Great Migration
Black Southern people left for North for jobs in wartime manufacturing
Over 500,000 Black people left South for work
Many joined army, encouraged by W. E. B. Du Bois for inroad to social equality
Army segregated and assigned Black people mostly to menial labor
Fearful of integration, Black combat units assigned to French command
End of World War I
America's participation tipped balance in Allies' favor
Two years after America's entry, Germans ready to negotiate peace treaty
Wilson's Fourteen Points served as basis for initial negotiations
Called for free trade, reduction of arms, self-determination, end of colonialism, League of Nations
Treaty of Versailles punished Germany, left humiliated and in economic ruin
Created League of Nations, but much of Wilson's plan discarded
Wilson's return home greeted with opposition over League of Nations
Senate debate over Article X curtailed America's independence in foreign affairs
Senate split into Democrats (pro-League), Irreconcilables (opposed), Reservationists (compromise)
Democrats and Irreconcilables defeated treaty with Lodge Reservations
US not signatory of Treaty of Versailles, never joined League of Nations
America retreating into period of isolationism
Wilson attempted to muster popular support, suffered major stroke and treaty failed
Possible Success of League of Nations
Many wonder if League would have prevented World War II had US been a member
