American Isolationism and the Great War (1914-1919) - In Depth Notes

American Isolationism and the European Origins of War

• President Wilson aimed to keep the U.S. out of the war, noting the devastation in Europe.
• During his first term, he focused on re-election, limiting international involvement to moral imperatives.
• Neutrality maintained U.S. trade relationships, but challenges arose post-1916 due to German submarine warfare.
• Ethnic ties in the U.S. fostered desires for neutrality, evidenced by Congress opposition (56 votes against war resolution).
• Despite opposition, the U.S. entered the war, reflecting divided public opinions.

The U.S. Prepares for War

• Wilson, despite reluctance, rapidly implemented federal legislation to prepare the nation for war after its inevitability.
• Preparation focused on logistical needs, including securing military personnel and raw materials for production.
• Defined roles for women and African Americans increased as traditional jobs were vacated; workers gained the right to organize amidst no-strike pledges.
• Propaganda and restrictive laws silenced dissenters, ensuring nationwide support or silence regarding the war effort.

A New Home Front

• The war transformed American society; new job opportunities emerged for women and African Americans due to soldier absence.
• Wartime agencies managed economic needs effectively but disappeared post-war, leading to social unrest and political changes.
• Prohibition highlighted the tension between progressive reforms and public demand; women's suffrage saw progress attributed partially to wartime contributions.

From War to Peace

• The U.S. joined the war late, enjoying initial military successes despite heavy losses and poor conditions.
• Wilson's vision for peace contradicted with the realities of the Treaty of Versailles, facing rejection from the Senate.
• His 14 points aimed to promote peace but were overshadowed by the Allies' punitive focus on Germany.

The Points (Summarized)

1. Open diplomacy with no secret treaties.
2. Economic free trade on the seas.
3. Equality in trade conditions.
4. Reduction of armaments.
5. Adjustment of colonial claims.
6. Russian self-determination and evacuation of Central Powers.
7. Restoration of Belgium.
8. Return of Alsace-Lorraine to France.
9. Redraw Italian borders.
10. Self-determination for Austria-Hungary.
11. New Balkan borders for Roumania, Serbia, Montenegro.
12. Establishment of a Turkish state with free trade in the Dardanelles.
13. Creation of an independent Polish state.
14. Establishment of the League of Nations.

Demobilization and Difficult Aftermath

• Post-war, America faced issues like a flu pandemic, racial tensions, and economic decline despite being on the victorious side.
• The 1920 presidential election reflected a desire for stability and a retreat from progressive reforms and international involvement.
• Americans were overwhelmed by the aftermath of war and sought a return to normalcy, resulting in Warren G. Harding's election.

Isolationism and U.S. Foreign Policy

• Leading up to WWI, Wilson opposed foreign entanglement, prioritizing a less imperialistic approach compared to predecessors.
• However, economic interests in Latin America and interventions in the Caribbean pushed him towards greater involvement.
• U.S. oil interests in Mexico prompted conflict as Mexico nationalized its oil reserves, causing tensions with American oil companies.

Propaganda and Dissent

• The U.S. government implemented anti-dissent laws (Trading with the Enemy Act, Espionage Act, Sedition Act), fueled by immigrant loyalties.
• The government encouraged citizens to report disloyalty, further suppressing anti-war sentiment.

Post-War Treaties and Public Sentiment

• Wilson's emphasis on the Treaty of Versailles faced opposition mainly due to Article X concerns over U.S. military obligations.
• The treaty was rejected, preventing U.S. participation in the League of Nations, which undermined Wilson’s vision of international cooperation.
• Public sentiment shifted from progressive ideals to a desire for peace, prompting Harding's victory in the 1920 election, as Americans sought stability.