Woodrow Wilson and the great war

The Outbreak of War

War Begins: 1914 marked the beginning of World War I due to escalating European tensions, which were independent of American interests.
Wilson's Neutral Stance: Declared American neutrality in July 1914, urging Americans to remain "impartial in thought as well as action".
Reasons for Neutrality: The US was geographically distanced from the conflict (3000 miles), and involvement seemed unnecessary and costly in terms of blood and resources.
Progressive Belief: Progressives viewed conflicts as failures of civilized intellect, seeing Europe's warfare as irrational.
Wilson's Mediatorial Vision: Despite neutrality, Wilson aimed to mediate a settlement but encountered difficulty due to European resolve for military solutions.

Long Term Causes:
- Economic ties to Allied Powers due to war supplies aiding financial support from American banks.
- Economic boom resulting from wartime trade boosted the US economy.
- A shift in American ideology towards supporting the Allies due to democratic principles versus German autocracy.
Short Term Causes:
- Unrestricted submarine warfare declared by Germany, attacking merchant ships, which increased tensions with the United States.
- The Zimmermann Telegram: A German proposal encouraging Mexico to attack the United States if war broke out. This act served as a catalyst for US involvement.

Increased American exports of food and resources to Britain and France when their manpower was diverted to military service.
Loans from American banks to Britain and France further tied US economic stability to the outcome of the war, creating a vested interest in their victory.

Pro-Allied sentiments largely among American citizens due to historical ties with Britain and France; some populations, like Irish-Americans, showed resistance due to historical grievances with Britain.
Germany's association with authoritarianism and brutal war tactics fostered growing anti-German sentiment; attitudes intensified due to submarine warfare tactics that targeted civilian vessels.
Examples of anti-German sentiment: The sinking of the Lusitania in May 1915, which highlighted German aggression and resulted in American casualties, fostering further resentment even before America officially entered the war.

Final Straws: The Zimmerman Telegram and Germany's declaration of unrestricted submarine warfare prompted the shift from neutrality to war.
Congressional Declaration: Faced with challenges of maintaining neutrality against emerging threats, Wilson asks Congress for a declaration of war against Germany.

Fourteen Points (January 1918): A framework proposed by Wilson promoting peace through various principles; key elements involved:
- #3 Economic Cooperation: Advocated for free trade to remove barriers and foster economic interdependence as a deterrent to war.
- #4 Arms Reduction: Suggested lowering military capabilities to diminish tension and reduce arms races.
- #14 League of Nations: Wilson championed the inception of a new international body for resolving conflicts to prevent future wars.

Wilson's Objectives: Aiming for a fair peace without punishment on the Central Powers, opposing the harsh reparations desired by Britain and France.
Limitations Encountered: Wilson faced opposition; Britain and France did not agree to the concept of a peace without victory, instead wanting reparations from Germany.
Establishment of the League of Nations: Despite challenges, Wilson succeeded in establishing this international organization; however, American Senate did not ratify involvement, demonstrating limits to Wilson's vision and leaving the league weakened.

Impact of U.S. Entry into War: America's involvement marked a turning point in the balance of the conflict, leading to Germany's surrender in November 1918.
Reflection on the nature of global governance and peace: Wilson's ideas were both ambitious and ultimately fell short in the context of subsequent world events, shaping future international relations and conflicts.