In this article, we’re diving into the United States’ role in World War I, which lasted from 1914 to 1918. Although the U.S. was only involved for 19 months and didn’t see as much fighting as other countries, the war had a big impact on America both at home and around the world.
When World War I started, the United States tried to stay neutral. This was largely because President Woodrow Wilson wanted to keep America out of foreign conflicts. Many Americans felt connected to Britain and had moved past the negative memories of British colonial rule. Some Progressives worried that joining the war would stop important social changes in the U.S. Wilson used this idea in his 1916 presidential campaign with the slogan “He kept us out of War.”
Many people think the sinking of the Lusitania, which killed 124 Americans, pushed the U.S. into the war. However, the U.S. didn’t declare war on Germany and the Central Powers until April 2, 1917, almost two years later. The real reasons included Germany’s return to unrestricted submarine warfare, the Zimmerman Telegram (where Germany tried to ally with Mexico against the U.S.), and the fall of Russia’s Tsarist regime, which made Wilson’s goal of fighting for democracy seem more believable.
Wilson had a vision for the world after the war, which he outlined in his Fourteen Points. These points focused on ideas like self-determination, freedom of the seas, and open diplomacy. Although these ideas were mostly ignored in the actual peace talks, they showed a hopeful vision for a fairer world.
America’s main help to the Allies was economic, providing weapons and financial support. American troops started arriving in Europe in the spring of 1918, with over a million soldiers under General John J. Pershing. Even though many didn’t fight, their presence helped wear down the already tired German forces.
World War I greatly increased the power of the U.S. government. The Selective Service Act of 1917 required millions to register for the draft, and the government took control of parts of the economy to prepare for war. New agencies were created to manage industry and labor, which improved wages and working conditions for many people.
However, the war also led to a crackdown on civil liberties. The Espionage Act of 1917 and the Sedition Act of 1918 made it illegal to speak against the war and the government, leading to the arrest of people like Eugene Debs for anti-war speeches. The Supreme Court supported these laws, setting a precedent that free speech could be limited during national emergencies.
The war raised questions about what it meant to be American, especially for immigrants. Public schools tried to “Americanize” immigrant children, and anti-immigrant feelings grew stronger. The war also brought big social changes, like the 19th Amendment, which gave women the right to vote, and the Great Migration of African Americans to northern cities for better opportunities.
Wilson’s hopes for a new world order were dashed at the Versailles peace conference, where the treaty didn’t match his Fourteen Points. The U.S. never joined the League of Nations because of worries about losing Congress’s power to declare war. The disappointment from the war’s outcome led the U.S. to become more isolated until World War II.
World War I was supposed to make the world safe for democracy, but it didn’t achieve those high goals. The lessons from this time influenced American foreign policy for years, setting the stage for future conflicts. In the next article, we’ll look at the fight for women’s voting rights and the progress made in that area.
Engage in a classroom debate about the U.S. decision to remain neutral at the start of World War I. Divide into two groups: one supporting President Wilson’s stance on neutrality and the other advocating for early involvement in the war. Use historical evidence to support your arguments and consider the impact of neutrality on American society and politics.
Work in pairs to analyze the Zimmerman Telegram. Discuss its significance and how it influenced the U.S. decision to enter the war. Create a short presentation explaining the content of the telegram, its intended purpose, and its impact on public opinion in the United States.
Design a World War I propaganda poster that encourages American citizens to support the war effort. Consider themes such as patriotism, economic support, or military enlistment. Use historical examples of propaganda to inspire your design and present your poster to the class, explaining the message and techniques used.
Research Woodrow Wilson’s Fourteen Points and select one point to explore in depth. Write a short essay discussing its significance and how it was received by other countries during the peace talks. Consider why some points were ignored and the implications for post-war diplomacy.
Investigate the impact of the Espionage Act of 1917 and the Sedition Act of 1918 on civil liberties in the United States. Create a timeline of key events and court cases related to these acts. Discuss how these laws affected freedom of speech and the precedent they set for future national emergencies.
America – A country in the Western Hemisphere, often referring to the United States, known for its significant role in global politics and history. – The literature of the 20th century often reflects the cultural and social changes that took place in America during that period.
War – A state of armed conflict between different countries or different groups within a country. – The impact of World War I on European literature was profound, influencing writers to explore themes of loss and disillusionment.
Wilson – Referring to Woodrow Wilson, the 28th President of the United States, known for his leadership during World War I and his efforts to establish the League of Nations. – President Wilson’s Fourteen Points were a statement of principles for peace that was used for peace negotiations to end World War I.
Democracy – A system of government by the whole population, typically through elected representatives. – The novel explored the challenges of maintaining a democracy in a society facing economic and social upheaval.
Treaty – A formally concluded and ratified agreement between countries. – The Treaty of Versailles officially ended World War I but also laid the groundwork for future conflicts in Europe.
Immigrants – People who come to live permanently in a foreign country. – The novel depicted the struggles and triumphs of immigrants as they sought to build new lives in America.
Society – The aggregate of people living together in a more or less ordered community. – The literature of the Victorian era often critiqued the rigid class structures of society.
Rights – Legal, social, or ethical principles of freedom or entitlement. – The civil rights movement of the 1960s was a pivotal moment in American history, inspiring numerous works of literature and art.
Powers – Authorities or influences that control or govern, often referring to nations or states. – The balance of powers in Europe was a central theme in the diplomatic negotiations following the Napoleonic Wars.
History – The study of past events, particularly in human affairs. – Understanding history is crucial for analyzing the themes and contexts of classic literature.
