Study Notes on American Foreign Relations and Woodrow Wilson's Policies

The event discussed involves a significant uprising at the National University of Peking, with students chanting slogans that assert patriotism and allegiance to the Republic of China and their university.
An important aftermath included the resignation of three delegates derogated as “traitors” and a refusal by Chinese representatives at the Paris Peace Conference to sign the treaty.

Knock provides a sympathetic yet critical view of Wilson's foreign policy, highlighting the following:
- Wilson's reliance on both progressive and conservative internationalists to shape his approach to Europe's war.
- His neutrality was aimed at ensuring peace while promoting a liberal domestic agenda to secure reelection in 1916.
- After America's entry into the war, support for his peace treaty, including the League of Nations, dwindled due to wartime reactions.

Tucker critiques Wilson’s strategy during the Great War as lacking coherence:
- Argues Wilson’s response was rooted more in idealism than national security strategy.
- Wilson's view of the war transitioned from a sordid conflict to a noble fight between democracy and autocracy, especially following German submarine warfare.

Manela examines the impact of Wilson's ideology on colonial aspirations:
- Initially inspiring colonial nationalists, Wilson’s rejection of their self-determination during the Versailles negotiations left many disillusioned.
- He believed non-European peoples were unfit for self-governance, advocating instead for their governance under a League of Nations trusteeship.
- This double standard lead to revolutionary movements across the colonial world, transforming the landscape of international history.

The U.S. reform era included the Socialist Party burgeoning in influence, with figures like Eugene Debs gaining recognition.
In 1912, the Socialist Party had over 115,000 members and significant political presence in multiple states.
This period saw a blending of liberal and socialist ideologies across political lines against the backdrop of war and internal unrest.

Notable Leaders:
- Jane Addams from Hull House, John Reed, Max Eastman, Oswald Garrison Villard, and Lillian Wald.

The movement promoted peace as essential for social and labor reforms; their leading agenda was to negotiate a settlement to end the war.
From the Woman’s Peace Party in 1915, they called for:
- Immediate armistice.
- Limiting armaments through international agreements.
- The establishment of arbitration machinery and self-determination for nations.
Progressive Internationalists viewed militaristic opponents as threats to social and economic progress.

In response to militarism, the American Union Against Militarism (AUAM) formed quickly, signaling organized opposition to militaristic strategies.
The AUAM gathered support in major urban centers, advocating for peaceful resolutions over military preparedness.

Woodrow Wilson’s approach shifted closer to coordination with progressive internationalists, particularly addressing those in AUAM as he outlined his vision for a league of nations.

Wilson enacted substantive reforms:
- Underwood Tariff, Clayton Antitrust Act, Federal Reserve System, and Federal Trade Commission.
- Implemented measures establishing the eight-hour workday for railroad workers and restrictions on child labor.

In his reelection campaign, Wilson promised a league of nations alongside advocating for neutral stances.
His rhetoric about the league drew significant voter support, creating a left-of-center coalition.

Following failed negotiations in 1915 and 1916, Wilson called for “peace without victory,” marking a transformative moment in international relations.
This led to a critique of imperialism and militarism while proposing a community of nations focused on self-determination and collective security.

The U.S. shifted from neutrality following provocations like the resumption of unrestricted submarine warfare by Germany.
On April 2, 1917, Wilson justified U.S. entry into war as a duty to make the world safe for democracy, emphasizing a fight against autocratic governments.

Articulated aims against German militarism while reiterating foundational ideals of peace without victory.
Advocated for collective frameworks to prevent future conflicts, emphasizing humanity's need for democratic governance.

Disappointment arose when self-determination claims by colonized nations were dismissed during the Treaty of Versailles negotiations.
Nationalists like Ho Chi Minh expressed their disillusionment with Wilson's principles, inflating expectations that went unaddressed during the peace settlement.

Wilson's health decline and rising internal political opposition, compounded by the Red Scare exacerbated the failure of the League of Nations.
The Senate remained divided on the treaty, leading to its eventual rejection influenced by partisan politics.

Movements in India, China, and beyond saw a rise in national identity construction following the disillusionment with the precepts of Wilsonianism.
The initial optimism towards internationalism encountered resistance, resulting in more radical expressions of nationalism in many colonized countries.

Reflects on the moral responsibilities of power in global relations; the outcome cautioned on the limitations of ideological visions divorced from political transactions.

The League of Nations' aspirations crystallized as a pivotal but ultimately unrealized vision of international cooperation born from a flawed understanding of global power dynamics.