WWI AND WWII NOTES

American Imperialism Overview

• American Imperialism in the late 19th and early 20th centuries significantly shaped U.S. foreign policy.

• Key themes: continuity and change in foreign relations, evolving public opinion on imperialism.

Key Concepts of American Imperialism

• The nature of American views on imperialism evolved between the late 19th and 20th centuries.

• Analyzed through historical documents and declarations that guided U.S. foreign policy.

Washington’s Farewell Address (1796)

• Urged avoidance of entangling alliances.

• Recommended foreign policy rooted in good faith and free trade.

Monroe Doctrine (1823)

• Established U.S. opposition to new European colonization.

• Declared U.S. non-interference in existing European colonies while asserting influence over Central and South America.

Perry Expedition (1853-1854)

• Commodore Matthew Perry opened Japan to American trade through the Convention of Kanagawa (1854).

Expansion of American Territory

Alaska Purchase (1867)

• Negotiated by Secretary of State William Seward for $7.2 million, equating to approximately 2 cents per acre.

• Criticized at first as “Seward's Folly” but later recognized for its potential natural resources.

• Influenced U.S. interests in Asia and British Columbia, especially after the Klondike gold rush (1896).

Hawaiian Annexation (1898)

• Initially an independent kingdom, Hawaii faced pressure from U.S. interests.

• The Bayonet Constitution (1887) limited suffrage and increased foreign control, leading to Queen Liliuokalani’s overthrow in 1893.

• Sanford Dole became the Republic of Hawaii’s president until annexation by the U.S.

Spanish-American War (1898)

Prelude to War

• U.S. involvement compounded by yellow journalism and public outcry following events in Cuba.

• Key incidents: U.S.S. Maine explosion in Havana (Feb 15, 1898) and the DeLome Letter.

Major Conflicts

• War declarations commenced April 21, 1898, with significant battles including San Juan Hill (Cuba) and Manila Bay (Philippines).

• Involvement of Rough Riders led by Theodore Roosevelt demonstrated American military might.

Treaty of Paris (1898)

Outcomes

• Ended the Spanish-American War, establishing U.S. control over Puerto Rico, the Philippines, and Guam.

• The terms sparked debate among American politicians regarding imperialism and its socio-political ramifications.

• Supporters framed it as a moral obligation; opponents criticized it as antithetical to democratic values.

U.S. Foreign Policy Changes

Roosevelt’s Big Stick Policy

• Emphasized military readiness and diplomatic strength; exemplified through the construction of the Panama Canal.

Dollar Diplomacy (Taft)

• Encouraged American investment abroad in an attempt to enhance U.S. interests, often through coercion.

Moral Diplomacy (Wilson)

• Advocated for supporting democratic nations while opposing imperialism, emphasizing self-determination and humanitarian concerns.

Conclusion

• American imperialism in the late 19th and early 20th centuries marked a turning point in foreign policy, characterized by bold territorial acquisitions and a shift toward a more assertive global presence.

• The repercussions of these policies continue to influence international relations and American identity.

PROGRESSIVISM

Progressivism Overview

• Progressivism emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as a response to industrialization, urbanization, and political corruption.

• Aimed to address social issues and improve society through reforms.

Key Features of Progressivism:

• Emphasis on government intervention to address social problems.

• Advocacy for greater democracy and political reform, including women's suffrage and direct election of senators.

• Focused on social justice, labor rights, and addressing the excesses of capitalism.

Major Progressive Reforms:

1. Labor Reforms

   • Child labor laws

   • Workplace safety regulations

   • Minimum wage laws

2. Political Reforms

   • Initiatives and referendums to allow citizens to vote on legislation

   • The recall election process to remove elected officials from office

3. Social Reforms

   • Settlement houses to assist immigrants and the urban poor

   • Prohibition movement to address alcohol-related social issues

Important Progressive Leaders:

• Theodore Roosevelt: Implemented antitrust laws, consumer protections (Pure Food and Drug Act), and conservation efforts.

• Woodrow Wilson: Advocated for the Federal Reserve Act and antitrust legislation (Clayton Antitrust Act).

• Jane Addams: Founder of Hull House, advocated for social reform and women's rights.

Conclusion:

• Progressivism laid the groundwork for future social reforms and emphasized the role of government in improving citizens' lives, influencing American politics and society through the 20th century.

THE GREAT DEPRESSION

The Great Depression Overview

• The Great Depression was a severe worldwide economic downturn that lasted from 1929 to the late 1930s.

Key Causes:

• Stock market crash of October 1929, known as Black Tuesday.

• Bank failures, leading to a loss of savings and purchasing power.

• Drought conditions that devastated agriculture, particularly in the Midwest (Dust Bowl).

• Decrease in consumer spending and investment, resulting in widespread business bankruptcies.

Impact:

• Unemployment rates soared, reaching around 25% in the United States.

• Poverty and homelessness increased dramatically; families faced severe hardship.

• Decline in industrial production and international trade.

Government Response:

1. Hoover Administration (1929-1933)

   • Initially favored limited government intervention; relied on voluntary measures and local relief efforts.

   • Ultimately struggled to effectively address the economic crisis.

2. New Deal (1933-1941)

   • Introduced by President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

   • A series of federal programs, public work projects, and financial reforms implemented to stimulate the economy.

   • Key elements included:

     • Social Security Act (1935): Established a safety net for the elderly and unemployed.

     • Works Progress Administration (WPA): Provided jobs through public projects.

     • National Industrial Recovery Act (NIRA): Aimed to boost industrial growth and improve labor conditions.

Significance:

• The Great Depression transformed the role of the federal government in the American economy.

• Led to lasting changes in social and economic policies, influencing future government intervention during economic downturns.

• It set the stage for World War II as the U.S. economy began to recover due to war production demands.

THE ROARING TWENTIES

The Roaring Twenties Overview

• The Roaring Twenties, also known as the Jazz Age, was a decade characterized by cultural, social, and economic dynamism in the United States following World War I.

Key Features of the Roaring Twenties:

• Economic Prosperity: Rapid economic growth led to increased consumer spending and the emergence of a consumer culture.

• Technological Advancements: Innovations like the automobile, radio, and cinema transformed daily life and leisure activities.

• Social Changes: Shift towards more liberal attitudes, especially regarding gender roles and sexuality, influenced by the flapper movement and changing fashions.

Cultural Significance:

• Jazz Music: Jazz became the predominant genre of music, symbolizing the cultural blossoming of the era; notable figures included Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington.

• Literature and Arts: The Lost Generation of writers, including F. Scott Fitzgerald and Ernest Hemingway, explored themes of disillusionment and societal change.

• Prohibition: The 18th Amendment banned the sale of alcohol, leading to speakeasies and the rise of organized crime.

Political Landscape:

• Isolationism: A focus on domestic issues rather than international involvement was prevalent in U.S. foreign policy.

• Immigration Restriction: The decade saw the implementation of restrictive immigration laws targeting certain ethnic groups.

Conclusion:

• The Roaring Twenties was a pivotal decade that set the stage for significant social transformations, economic changes, and cultural innovations that would impact American society in subsequent years.

WWI NOTES

Great War in Europe (1914-1919)

Causes of the War

• Imperialism: Competition for colonies and resources.

• Nationalism: Strong patriotic sentiments.

• Arms Race: Increased military expenditures.

• Military Alliances:

  • Triple Alliance: Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy

  • Triple Entente: Great Britain, France, Russia

• Assassination of Archduke:

  • Occurred on June 28, 1914.

  • Assassin: Gavrilo Princip, a Serbian nationalist.

• Ultimatums: Led to declarations of war.

American Position of Neutrality

Isolationism

• Aim: Avoid entangling alliances and wars in Europe.

  • Wilson's Campaign (1916): "He kept us out of war."

  • Ethnic Ties: German-Americans and Irish-Americans had conflicting loyalties.

  • Pacifists: Examples include Jane Addams.

• Support for Allies:

  • Cultural Relations: Strong ties to Great Britain.

  • Financial Support: American loans worth $2.3 billion to Allies.

Growing Tensions with Germany

• German U-boats: Navy engaged in unrestricted submarine warfare.

• R.M.S. Lusitania (May 7, 1915):

  • Casualties: 1,198 killed, including 128 Americans.

• Sussex Pledge (1916): Germany's promise to cease attacking passenger ships.

Russian Revolution (1917)

• Key Figures: Bolsheviks led by Vladimir Lenin.

• Outcome: Overthrow of Tsar Nicholas II.

• Treaty of Brest-Litovsk (1917): Russia ceased hostilities with Central Powers.

Peace and Preparedness

• Movement Leaders: Leonard Wood, Theodore Roosevelt, Elihu Root.

• National Defense Act of 1916:

  • Called for military preparedness amid growing tensions.

• Cultural Influence:

  • The film "The Battle Cry of Peace" emphasized the need for strength.

Zimmerman Telegram and Declaration of War

• Intercepted Message: Germany promising to assist Mexico in reclaiming lost territories if Mexico joined the Central Powers.

• Congress Declares War (April 6, 1917):

  • Motivations included a desire to promote democracy.

Arguments for and Against War

Pro-War: Woodrow Wilson

• Emphasized peace and justice against autocratic power.

• Called for making the world safe for democracy.

Anti-War: George W. Norris

• Advocated for keeping out of European entanglements, referencing George Washington's advice.

• Belief in American self-sufficiency to solve domestic issues without foreign involvement.

Liberty Bonds

• Purpose: Finance the war effort.

• Promotion: Framed as a patriotic duty to invest in bonds to support the military.

War Agencies

• War Industries Board: Coordinates war material purchases.

• National War Labor Board: Prevents strikes and promotes industrial peace during wartime.

• Food Administration: Promotes voluntary rationing, establishes "victory gardens."

Committee on Public Information

• Led by: George Creel.

• Goals: Promote patriotic duty, censor anti-war propaganda.

• Methods: Utilized advertisements, movies, and public speakers (Four Minute Men).

Examples of American Propaganda

• Various posters and advertisements encouraged public support for the war and the purchase of Liberty Bonds.

Civil Liberties During WWI

• Espionage Act of 1917: Prohibited interference with military operations and recruitment.

• Sedition Act of 1918: Criminalized disloyal or abusive language regarding the U.S. government.

Supreme Court Cases

• Debs v. United States (1919): Espionage Act upheld as constitutional.

• Schenck v. United States (1919): Free speech limited during wartime if it poses a clear danger.

• Abrams v. United States (1919): Continued support for limiting free speech related to wartime opposition.

Immigrants in America

• Expected loyalty amid rising anti-foreign sentiments.

• Propaganda and Hysteria: German culture targeted, leading to drastic changes (e.g., renaming foods).

American Expeditionary Force (AEF)

• Recruitment & Draft: Selective Service Act (1917),2 million drafted & volunteered.

• General John J. Pershing: Strategic command upon arrival in Europe.

Major War Events

• Schlieffen Plan: Initial German offensive strategy.

• Hundred Days Offensive (1918): Allied push that led to German retreat.

Wilson’s Fourteen Points

• Aim: Establish a just peace post-war.

• Key points include self-determination, abolition of secret treaties, and formation of League of Nations.

Treaty of Versailles (1919)

• Big Four: Key leaders: Wilson, Lloyd George, Clemenceau, Orlando.

• Key Provisions: Reparations, territorial adjustments, and formation of League of Nations.

Treaty Ratification

• Debate Among Senators:

  • Internationalists: Support for Wilson’s treaty.

  • Reservationists: Opposed collective security in League.

  • Irreconcilables: Rejected treaty outright.

• Wilson's Campaign: Suffered health issues amidst public support efforts.

Returning from War

• Casualties: 116,516 killed, 204,000 wounded.

• Advocacy: Establishment of the American Legion for veterans’ return support.

Spanish Flu

• Epidemic in 1918: Aggressive H1N1 strain infected millions worldwide, leading to significant mortality.

Post-WWI Recession

• Economic challenges transitioned from wartime to peacetime leading to decline and unemployment spikes.

First Red Scare

• National anxiety surrounding Bolshevism influenced by wartime nationalism and societal changes.

Labor Unions and Strikes

• Major strikes in 1919 associated with anti-union sentiments and fear of radicalism led to public backlash.

Race Riots

• Economic competition and returning troops led to racial violence in cities like Chicago and Omaha.

Palmer Raids of 1919

• Targeted radicals culminating in deportations amid national security concerns post-WWI.

Controversial Perspectives

A. Mitchell Palmer

• Advocated aggressive actions against perceived threats posed by radicals.

National Popular Government League

• Critiqued the methods of the Department of Justice in suppressing dissent and highlighted constitutional infringements.

WWII NOTES

Post-WWI American Foreign Policy and World War II

Key Themes to Explore

• Evaluate continuity and change in American foreign policy from 1920 to 1945.

• Assess the impact of World War II on the growth and power of the federal government.

• Consider how World War II influenced social experiences for women and minorities.

American Foreign Policy of the 1920s

Republican Presidents and Disarmament Initiatives

• Washington Naval Conference (1921)

  • Established the Five-Power Treaty

  • Naval tonnage limits: U.S. (5), Great Britain (5), Japan (3), France (1.75), Italy (1.75)

  • Enforced a 10-year pause on construction of new naval capital ships

• Kellogg-Briand Pact (1928)

  • International agreement to renounce war as a means of resolving disputes

• London Naval Conference (1930)

  • Expanded restrictions on the construction of naval auxiliary ships

Economic Policies

• Protective Tariffs

  • Fordney-McCumber Tariff (1922) and Hawley-Smoot Tariff (1930) increased tariffs on imports.

• Dawes Plan (1924)

  • Stabilized European economies post-war by restructuring Germany's reparations payments.

Stimson Doctrine (1932)

• Response to Japanese invasion of Manchuria (1931)

• U.S. declared it would not recognize territories acquired through force.

• Emphasized adherence to established treaty rights regarding China and the Open Door Policy.

Good Neighbor Policy

• Shifted U.S. approach towards Central and South America, emphasizing non-intervention and positive relations.

• Hoover’s Clark Memorandum (1930)

  • Rejected Roosevelt Corollary, discouraging European intervention.

• FDR's Vision

  • Promoted respect for neighbors in both dealings and agreements.

• Montevideo Convention (1933)

  • Renounced unilateral interventions; ended occupations in Haiti and Nicaragua.

  • Annulled the Platt Amendment.

American Isolationism

Characteristics

• Predominantly supported by Midwestern, rural populations, often Republicans.

• Nye Committee

  • Criticized war profiteering, labeled "Merchants of Death."

• America First Committee

  • Advocated for staying out of the WWII conflict, promoting isolationist ideology.

The Axis Powers and Appeasement

• Japan: Invasion of Manchuria (1931) and China (1937)

• Italy: Invasion of Ethiopia (1935)

• Germany:

  • Remilitarization of the Rhineland (1936), Anschluss with Austria and the Sudetenland (1938)

• Global Response:

  • Munich Conference (1938) allowed German expansions in hopes of avoiding conflict.

  • Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact (1939) ensured neutrality between Germany and the Soviet Union.

  • German invasion of Poland (1939) marks the official start of World War II.

American Foreign Policy Shifts Pre-WWII

Quarantine Speech (1937)

• FDR's address warning of the dangers of spreading global lawlessness.

• Called for a cautious stance while seeking peace and protecting national interests.

Neutrality Acts

• Neutrality Act of 1935: Prohibited arms exports to warring nations.

• Neutrality Act of 1937: Banned Americans from traveling on belligerent ships.

• Neutrality Act of 1939: Included changes to allow "cash and carry" principles for arms sales.

World War II Begins in Europe

• Axis Powers: Germany, Italy, Japan.

• Non-Aggression Pact: Signed in 1939, leading to German invasion of Poland.

• Response from Britain and France: Declared war on Germany post-invasion.

• Dunkirk (1940): Notable evacuation operation during early conflicts.

Election of 1940

• Franklin D. Roosevelt won an unprecedented third term.

• Challenged by Wendell Willkie advocating for efficiency in New Deal policies.

War Preparation Measures

Cash and Carry Policy

Destroyers-for-Bases Agreement (1940)

• U.S. provided destroyers to Britain in exchange for base leases.

Lend-Lease Act (1941)

• Provided arms to allies deemed vital for American defense.

• Marked the end of U.S. neutrality.

Selective Service Act of 1940

• First peacetime conscription act; required men aged 21-35 to register.

FDR's Four Freedoms

• Encompassed freedom of speech, freedom of worship, freedom from want, and freedom from fear, which justified U.S. involvement in WWII.

Arsenal of Democracy

• Reinforced by the Lend-Lease Act to support Britain.

• Atlantic Charter (1941): Articulated goals for post-war peace including self-determination and free trade.

Pearl Harbor

• December 7, 1941, marked by a surprise attack from Japan, leading to significant American casualties (2,400 killed).

• Following day, U.S. declared war on Japan, and Germany and Italy declared war on the U.S.

Economic Impact of World War II

Economic Changes

• GDP surged from $56.4 billion (1933) to $223.1 billion (1945).

• Unemployment dropped due to job creation in war industries.

Fiscal Policies

• National Debt escalated from $25 billion in 1918 to $251 billion in 1945.

War Production

• Factories converted for war, doubling industrial production and increasing real wages by 50%.

Women and Minorities in WWII

Women in Military

• Approximately 350,000 women served in various military roles.

• Organizations included WAC, WAVES, and OSS.

Black Americans

• 1.2 million served in segregated units; known units include the Tuskegee Airmen.

• The Double V Campaign advocated for victory abroad and racial equality at home.

Japanese Americans

• Served in segregated units; notable unit was the 442nd Infantry, which saw extensive service and earned numerous awards.

• Faced internment under Executive Order 9066 during the war.

Key Military Strategies and Fronts

Atlantic Theater

• D-Day (June 6, 1944): Amphibious invasion of Normandy marking a pivotal point in the war.

• Battle of Britain: British forces repelled the Luftwaffe, demonstrating resilience.

Pacific Theater

• Island Hopping Strategy: Led by General Douglas MacArthur to recapture territories from the Japanese.

• Major Naval Battles: Midway (turning point) and Coral Sea (first major engagement of aircraft carriers).

Atomic Bomb and Its Impact

Decision to Use

• Aimed at ending the war swiftly and demonstrating military power, resulting in massive civilian casualties.

Hiroshima and Nagasaki

• Bombings led to Japan's surrender on September 2, 1945, marking V-J Day.

World War II Costs and Legacy

• Approximately 70 million deaths globally, highlighting the war's devastating impact.

• The G.I. Bill of 1944 provided support for returning veterans, influencing post-war society.

• Established the United Nations and set the stage for the Cold War between superpowers.