The Interwar Period

Introduction to Progressive Era Politics

• Regulation of Big Business:

  • Emphasized importance of regulating large corporations.

  • Precursor to welfare state initiatives introduced under FDR after Great Depression.

Teddy Roosevelt's Political Landscape

• Transition of Roosevelt's Politics:

  • Initially a Republican, Roosevelt shifts towards Progressive platform.

  • Known for engineering larger government to address social issues.

  • His administration set the groundwork for a welfare state aimed at economic recovery.

• Political Cartoon Analysis:

  • Depicted as a chameleon, suggesting he changes policies based on the environment.

  • Chameleons change colors; similarly, Roosevelt adapted his views according to political climate.

• Nature of Roosevelt’s Speeches:

  • Critiqued for a lack of coherence, described as a blend of conflicting political ideologies.

  • Cartoons depict his speeches as a mixture of conservative views, democracy, and progressivism.

The Zimmerman Telegram and US Entry into WWI

• Overview of the Telegram's Significance:

  • Sent by German Foreign Secretary Arthur Zimmerman to Mexico.

  • Proposed a military alliance against the USA in exchange for regaining territories (Texas, New Mexico, Arizona).

• Impact of the Telegram:

  • The telegram played a key role in drawing the US into WWI due to its implications and public reaction.

  • Context: Mexico was politically unstable during its revolution and unlikely to act upon the proposal.

Political Situation in Mexico During the Early 20th Century

• Mexican Revolution:

  • Significant unrest and political upheaval led by figures like Venustiano Carranza.

  • Foreign investments in Mexico complicated relations, especially with the U.S.

• US Foreign Policy:

  • Wilson’s moral imperialism contrasted with his interventions in Mexican politics.

  • Seizure of Mexican resources and political support muddied relations during the Zimmerman crisis.

Economic and Social Changes during WWI

• War Efforts and Domestic Policies:

  • Various boards established to manage wartime production and resource allocation:

    • War Industries Board: Oversaw production and resource distribution.

    • Railroad Administration: Ensured efficient transportation of materials.

    • Food Administration: Managed food resources and public morale through rationing propaganda.

• Labor Relations During the War:

  • The War Labor Board acted to prevent labor strikes and ensure efficient production.

Constitutional Amendments and Social Change

• Eighteenth Amendment (Prohibition):

  • Enforced prohibition during wartime, largely due to women's temperance movements.

  • Highlighted problems associated with enforcement and the rise of underground markets.

• Nineteenth Amendment (Women's Suffrage):

  • Granted women the right to vote post-war, recognizing their contributions during the conflict.

  • These changes, however, came with unintended consequences, such as the loss of specific workplace protections for women.

Conclusion

• Reflections on Women's Role in the War:

  • Women served critical roles, including as telephone operators ("hello girls"), aiding military operations.

  • Their post-war status faced new challenges as legal protections diminished, emphasizing ongoing inequalities.