Study Notes on Historical Context of 1917 and Wilson's Policies in-depth oct 2nd

1917 is a pivotal year in the 20th century that produces significant historical events.
The legacies of 1917 resonate throughout the rest of the century, notably influencing geopolitics during the Cold War.

The outcomes of World War I, particularly the Bolsheviks' triumph in Russia, shaped subsequent global politics.
The Bolsheviks, establishing a communist regime, redirected political discourse in Europe and America for decades.

President Woodrow Wilson announced the Fourteen Points, a framework aimed at establishing a new world order based on the principles of democracy and self-determination.
Wilson believed the rise of democracy was an inevitable wave in global politics, exemplified by his progressive vision of international relations.

Scholars have debated whether Wilson's advocacy for self-determination was an attempt to counteract Lenin's revolutionary ideas.
The notion of a people's republic underlines a movement towards popularly governed states and reflects on the deeper ideological struggle of the time.

Wilson held a Messianic view of America’s role in global affairs, believing the U.S. had a unique mission, different from European powers' imperial ambitions.
He aimed to replace destructive power politics with collaborations based on shared interests and collective security.

Realism:
- States primarily act in their own self-interest; the world is anarchic with no central authority enforcing laws.
- Historical roots trace back to ancient Greek philosophies, exemplified by Thucydides' account of the Melian Dialogue where might makes right.
Liberalism (American Perspective):
- Contrary to realism, liberalism posits that states can have shared interests, such as peace and prosperity.
- Emphasizes the role of domestic governance structures, arguing that democratic states are less likely to engage in war.

Wilson’s ideas suggest that democracies will lead to less conflict, countering the more cynical view of realism that foresees perpetual power struggles among states.
The proposition prioritizes establishing democracies over autocracies to diminish the likelihood of war.

American troops began arriving in Europe in significant numbers, altering the balance of power on the battlefield.
Their involvement was crucial, primarily because they signaled a potential influx of manpower that the Central Powers could not match.

Wilson's vision included the establishment of the League of Nations to ensure collective security and prevent future wars.
The League would function to manage international disputes through collaboration rather than conflict.

European leaders were hesitant to adopt Wilson's vision of collective security as they were deeply scarred by the war and seeking to impose strict terms on Germany.
Wilson faced resistance from his allies, who were concerned about sacrificing national interests for an idealistic vision of peace.

One major contention in the League of Nations was Article 10, which mandated collective defense obligations for member states.
Critics argued that this article compromised American sovereignty and freedom of action in international affairs.

During the ratification efforts for the Treaty of Versailles, Wilson suffered a debilitating stroke, impacting his ability to advocate effectively for the League.
Despite his efforts, the Treaty was ultimately rejected by the Senate, indicating profound divisions in American politics.

The failure of the U.S. to join the League of Nations weakened its effectiveness and contributed to the conditions leading to World War II.
Wilson's vision of collective security and international collaboration faced significant challenges due to nationalism and differing political agendas in Europe.

The war brought about strong anti-German sentiment in the U.S., influencing cultural and social dynamics.
Government propaganda, through agencies like the Committee on Public Information, reshaped perceptions of patriotism and loyalty.

The war catalyzed a variety of societal changes, including the rise of new movements, the women's suffrage movement in particular, which gained momentum during the war years.