World War I

For three years the United States remained neutral, and a strong isolationist sentiment existed among Americans not to get involved in this European war.

American Positions on the War

World War I “No Man’s Land”

Wilson’s Goal The United States enters the war in 1917, the balance of power shifts, and Germany is defeated in 1918 President Wilson proposes 14 Points plan for world peace

Key Ideas of the 14 Points that were adopted Self Determination – All people have the right to choose their own form of government Freedom of the Seas – Countries should be able to navigate the world’s oceans without restrictions League of Nations – An association of nations that would guarantee political independence of large and small countries Mandate System – Allied would powers would control, and eventually free, certain German colonies (this was added at Versailles)

Versailles Peace Conference Council of Four nicknamed the “Big Four”: American President, Woodrow Wilson British Prime Minister, David Lloyd George French Premier, George Clemenceau Italian Prime Minister, Vittorio Orlando

World War I The Treaty of Versailles, which ended World War I, recognized the first three principles and added the mandate system, which violated the idea of national self-determination. Under the terms of the Treaty of Versailles, a mandate was a region administered by another country until it was judged ready for independence. The Treaty of Versailles also Provided for the punishment of Germany. Great Britain and France insisted that the treaty hold Germany responsible for the war and that Germany pay reparations Treaty of Versailles redrew national boundaries in Europe, which created many new nations including Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, and Poland. Treaty of Versailles recognized the principle of national self-determination in Europe, but not in the Middle East, Africa, or Asia.

Approval? After the treaty was negotiated, Wilson sent it to the United States Senate for ratification (approval). Under the Constitution, the President is the nation’s chief diplomat with the sole power to make treaties. Senate must approve all treaties by a two-thirds vote in order for them to become law. Senators raised objections to United States foreign policy decisions being made by the League of Nations, rather than by American leaders. After long debate, the Senate failed to approve the Treaty. Senate rejection demonstrated the historical influence of isolationism on American foreign policy.

The Home front The contribution of women to the war effort leads to a further call for women’s suffrage and the passage of the 19th amendment.

The Home front The Great Migration – the relocation of nearly 6 million African Americans from the rural South to the North, Midwest and West to escape discrimination of Jim Crow Laws and take advantage of job opportunities created by the war effort in World War I as young men joined the Army. This migration takes place from 1915 to about 1960.