APUSH - U.S. and the First World War (1914-1917)

Overview of U.S. Involvement in WWI (1914-1917)

• The U.S. initially maintained neutrality as Europe erupted into conflict in 1914.
• By 1917, the U.S. felt compelled to declare war on Germany due to various pressures.
• In just a few years, U.S. went from isolationism to becoming a world power.

Timeline of U.S. Role

• 1914: Contented and neutral.
• 1917: Waging war for peace.
• 1918: Emerges as a victorious world power unexpectedly.
• 1919-1920: Retreats into isolationism due to the fear stemming from WWI.

Initial Neutrality

• The U.S. aimed for neutrality but faced debates over which side to support.
• The proclamation of neutrality was officially issued by President Woodrow Wilson shortly after the war began.
• Public sentiment showed a reluctance to engage due to significant immigrant populations with ancestral ties to Europe.

Reasons for Maintaining Neutrality

• Demographics: Over one-third of the U.S. population was either immigrant or children of immigrants, many from nations at war.
• Progressive Ideals: Many believed in resolving disputes peacefully and viewed war as counterproductive to social progress.
• Historical Precedents: The writing of Washington and Jefferson advised against entanglement in European conflicts.

Public Opinion on the War

• Anti-German Sentiment: Driven by cultural ties with Britain, memories of French support during the Revolutionary War, and fear of German militarism.
• Americans recalled German atrocities in Belgium, enhancing anti-German propaganda.
• Pro-German Sympathy: Irish Americans supported Germany due to England's historical oppression of Ireland.
• Different Perspectives: Some blamed all involved for imperialism and militarism leading to war.

Economic Factors

• The U.S. economic situation drastically improved due to increased trade with warring nations, especially the Allies.
• U.S. exports to Britain and France surged, while trade with Germany plummeted.
• By 1916, exports to Britain and France rose sharply to $3.2 billion, while trade with Germany decreased to about $260,000.

Debate: To Go to War or Not

• Those against the war were primarily from the Midwest and West, viewing it as a threat to domestic tranquility and centered around populist, progressive, and socialist ideologies.
• Figures like William Jennings Bryan and Jane Addams opposed military involvement while acknowledging the potential for war to change women's suffrage discourse.
• Pro-war advocates, mainly from the East Coast, believed preparedness and involvement could benefit the U.S. economically.
• Organizations like the National Security League emerged to promote military preparedness ahead of potential conflicts.

Wilson’s Changing Stance

• Initially, Wilson resisted pressure for military buildup but began to support it post-1915 as the realities of war set in.
• His 1916 reelection campaign was affected by the realities of potential conflict in Europe, but after winning, he ramped up preparations for war.

Conclusion:

• From neutrality to potential involvement in the First World War, the U.S. underwent significant policy shifts due to public sentiment, immigrant demographics, economic factors, and an evolving global landscape leading up to 1917.
• Understanding these dynamics is vital in grasping the complexities of U.S. foreign policy during WWI.