Diplomacy in WWI

America and the World, 1901-1917

• Title Commentary: The title suggests an examination of America's foreign policy between 1901 and 1917, likely focusing on the dual nature of expansionism and the philosophical justification for intervention in other nations’ affairs.

Early 1900s Isolationism vs. Reality

• Perception of Isolation: In the early 1900s, Americans generally perceived the U.S. as isolated from global conflicts.
• Reality: Despite this belief, U.S. foreign involvement was increasing.

Roosevelt's Justification for Intervention

• Civilized Countries: Roosevelt believed that industrialized nations had not just a right, but an obligation to intervene in the affairs of less developed nations for maintaining order and stability.
  • US Navy: By 1906, the U.S. Navy was the world's largest, symbolizing this interventionist approach.

Big Stick Diplomacy

• Definition: Roosevelt's foreign policy approach, known as "Big Stick" diplomacy, emphasized the importance of a strong military presence as a means of negotiation.
  • Example: In the Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905), Roosevelt mediated a peace that earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 1906. This effort secured continued U.S. access to East Asian markets.
• Great White Fleet: Between 1907-1909, the U.S. Navy showcased its power by traveling around the world.

Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine

• Year Implemented: 1904
• Purpose: Asserted the U.S. right to intervene in Latin America to maintain stability, leading to several interventions like the U.S. control over customs collection in the Dominican Republic to address debt concerns.

Panama Canal Crisis

• Historical Context: Panama, which gained independence from Spain in 1821 and was part of Colombia, was strategically desirable for a canal construction.
  • Failed French attempts to build a canal resulted in the U.S. acquiring the rights after supporting Panama's independence from Colombia.
  • The canal was completed in 1914, serving as a key element of U.S. foreign policy in the region.

Taft and Dollar Diplomacy

• Focus: Taft's strategy diverted from Roosevelt's civilizing mission, aligning more with economic interests.
• Interventions: Included military interventions in Nicaragua and support for government loans to protect American business interests after the overthrow of local governments.

Wilson’s Moral Diplomacy

• Characteristics: Wilson's lack of foreign policy experience led to a continuation of Roosevelt's and Taft's policies, such as intervening in the Dominican Republic and Nicaragua under the pretense of promoting democratic ideals.

Mexican Intervention

• Background: The U.S. response to changes in Mexican leadership led to significant conflict and anti-American sentiment as the U.S. intervened to support preferred leaders in the region.

Rise of World War I (1914-1918)

• Causes (MANIA):
  • Militarism: European nations significantly built up their military forces, heightening tensions.
  • Alliances: Major alliances formed included the Triple Alliance (Germany, Austria-Hungary, Ottoman Empire) and the Triple Entente (France, Russia, Great Britain).
  • Nationalism: Ethnic groups aspired for independence; notably within Austria-Hungary.
  • Imperialism: Competition among European powers for colonies and resources.
  • Assassination: The killing of Archduke Franz Ferdinand by Serbian nationalists triggered the war.

Outbreak of War

• Initial Declaration: Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia on July 28, 1914.
• Escalation: The alliance systems drew in multiple nations quickly, with Germany and Russia mobilizing in response to the conflict.
• Further Declarations: Tensions escalated further as Germany declared war on Russia, followed by France and the invasion of Belgium.

Major Combatants

• Central Powers: Germany, Austria-Hungary, Ottoman Empire, Bulgaria.
• Allied Powers: Russia, France, Great Britain, Italy, Japan, and later, the United States.

Warfare Innovations

• New Weapons: The war saw the introduction of machine guns, tanks, and chemical warfare, marking a significant technological advancement in conflicts.

American Neutrality and Entry

• Initial Neutrality: President Wilson maintained a neutral stance as European nations became embroiled in conflict.
• Key Incidents Leading to War:
  • Lusitania Sinking: The German U-boat attack on the British passenger ship, resulting in American casualties.
  • Zimmermann Telegram: A German proposal for Mexico to ally against the U.S., intercepted by Britain, prompting U.S. involvement in April 1917.

Impact of American Involvement

• Troops Deployment: Significant numbers of U.S. troops were sent to assist Allied forces, revitalizing morale on the fronts.
• Russian Withdrawal: The Bolshevik Revolution led to Russia's exit from the war, amplifying American strategic importance in the conflict.

Domestic Changes during War

• Selective Service Act of 1917: Instituted the draft, significantly increasing troop numbers.
• Labor Changes: Workers’ strikes and migration influenced domestic industries amidst wartime conditions.

Post-War Consequences

• Social Changes: Post-war inflation and job scarcity triggered unrest and strikes, leading to racial tensions.
• Political Reactions: The Red Scare emerged from fears of socialism and communism, impacting immigrant communities.

Treaty of Versailles and Aftermath

• Wilson’s 14 Points: A plan emphasizing self-determination and the formation of the League of Nations, though many aspects were disregarded.
• War Guilt Clause: Germany was required to take sole responsibility for the war, significantly affecting its economy and military capabilities post-war.

Overall Reflections

• Wilson's Vision: Despite achieving the League of Nations, Wilson faced significant opposition at home, undermining his diplomatic efforts.
• Social Change: The war and its aftermath catalyzed significant societal changes, particularly regarding race relations and labor rights in America.