Wilsonian Progressivism in Peace and War, 1913-1920

Political Corruption and Economic Instability: How did Progressives respond to political corruption, economic instability, and social concerns in the first two decades of the twentieth century?
U.S. Involvement in World War I: How, after an initial period of neutrality, did the United States become involved in World War I?
Expansion of Federal Government Power: How did the experience of war expand the power of the federal government?
American Foreign Policy Influence: How did the war influence ideas about American foreign policy?
Post-War Tensions: How did the aftermath of the war lay the groundwork for the social, political, and cultural tensions of the 1920s?

The context of the European political landscape during Wilsonian Progressivism leading up to and during World War I is crucial to understanding U.S. actions and reactions.

Neutrality as Official Position:
- The United States initially maintained a stance of neutrality at the onset of World War I.
Economic Engagement:
- Exports and loans to Britain and France increased by 300%.
- Exports and loans to Germany decreased by 90%.
Growing Pressure on Wilson:
- By 1915-1916, significant pressure mounted on President Wilson regarding involvement in the war.
- Campaign slogan highlighted his commitment to maintaining peace: "He kept us out of war".

U-Boat Warfare:
- Increased German naval aggression, particularly U-Boat warfare, exacerbated tensions starting in 1915.
Sinking of the Lusitania:
- The British ocean liner Lusitania was sunk in 1915, leading to public outcry against Germany.
Unrestricted Submarine Warfare:
- On February 1, 1917, Germany declared unrestricted submarine warfare, violating Wilsonian principles of free trade and navigation.
Events in Mexico:
- The Mexican Revolution (1910-1920) influenced Wilson’s perspective and decision-making regarding war.
- Plan de San Diego (1915) and Columbus Raid (1916) added to tensions.
- The Zimmerman Telegram (1917) proposed a German-Mexican alliance, further enraging U.S. leaders.

Military Contributions:
- American military engagement helped the Allies secure victory in the war.
Versailles Peace Conference (1919):
- Key points encompassed Wilson’s Fourteen Points:
- Political Self-Determination: Advocacy for nations to determine their own governance.
- Freedom of the Seas: Protection of navigation rights in international waters.
- End to Secret Treaty System: Promotion of transparency in diplomatic agreements.
- Reduced Military Spending: Encouragement for nations to limit military expenditures.
- League of Nations: Establishment of an international organization to prevent future conflicts.
German Discontent and Nazism:
- The failure of the Treaty of Versailles to address German grievances contributed to future instability, aiding the rise of Nazism.
Isolationist Congress:
- U.S. Senate's refusal to ratify the Treaty of Versailles and join the League of Nations highlights the shift back towards isolationism.

Labor Movement:
- A notable no-strike pledge was enacted by unions to ensure wartime production stability.
- The establishment of the National War Labor Board aimed at mediating disputes between labor and management.
War Funding:
- Liberty Bonds financed two-thirds of the war effort.
- Progressive taxation policies expanded federal government power with 78% of the population paying a 3.6% tax burden, while the wealthy and corporations covered the rest.
- The number of people filing taxes quadrupled from 1916 to 1920.
Regulatory Measures:
- The War Industries Board regulated materials and set production quotas to boost war-related production.
- The Fuel Administration initiated coal rationing to optimize usage.
- The government temporarily controlled the railroads in 1917 to coordinate war logistics.

Repression of Free Speech:
- During World War I, free speech and the rights of German immigrants were compromised.
- The Espionage Act, Sedition Act, and Aliens Act (1917-1918) recalled earlier legislative actions from the 1790s.
- Organizations such as the American Protective League conducted surveillance on suspected dissidents.
Cultural Suppression:
- German language classes, music, and literature were banned in numerous locations.
- Some German nationals were placed in internment camps, including locations in North Carolina.
Supreme Court Ruling:
- The Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of these wartime restrictions in a ruling in 1919.

Response to the Russian Revolution:
- The success of the Russian Revolution in 1917 raised concerns about potential communist influence in the U.S.
Labor Strikes:
- A wave of postwar labor strikes heightened societal tensions.
Domestic Bombings:
- A series of bombings targeting businessmen and Wall Street triggered widespread panic.
The Palmer Raids:
- A federal crackdown on perceived anti-Americanism resulted in the arrest of 5,000 “undesirable aliens”, most held without legal counsel, and deportation of 600 to Europe.
- The credibility of Attorney General Palmer declined following a foiled Communist coup on May 1, 1920.
- This crackdown severely weakened labor unions, the American Socialist Party, and the American Communist Party.

Legislative Agenda of Progressives:
- Nationally, Progressives aimed for federal legislation to regulate the economy, expand democracy, and promote moral reform, influencing constitutional amendments related to prohibition and women’s suffrage.
Shift from Neutrality to Involvement:
- After an initial period of neutrality, the U.S. entered World War I, moving away from its long-standing noninterventionist foreign policy in line with Wilson’s ideals of humanitarianism and democracy.
American Expeditionary Force's Role:
- Although American forces played a limited role in combat, their involvement was pivotal in tipping the balance in favor of the Allies.
Rejection of Versailles Treaty:
- Despite Wilson’s active involvement in postwar negotiations, the League of Nations was ultimately rejected by the Senate, which reverted to an isolationist policy.

In simpler terms

Progressives wanted new federal laws to control the economy, increase democracy, and encourage moral reforms, leading to amendments for prohibition and women's voting rights.
The U.S. shifted from being neutral to joining World War I, changing its long-standing policy of not getting involved in foreign conflicts, in line with Wilson's beliefs in helping others and democracy.
The American Expeditionary Force played a limited role in fighting but was crucial in helping the Allies win the war.
Although Wilson worked hard for the Treaty of Versailles, the Senate rejected it and returned to a policy of isolationism.