The Great War World War I

Organizing Principle The continents of Europe and North America had developed in parallel fashion since the mid- 1800s. After the turn of the century, the same political and economic transformations that had taken place in the United States, pitted many European nations against each other. The tensions in Europe mounted and resulted in the outbreak of War in 1914. The United States put their head in the sand as isolationist sentiments ruled the day. However, as The Great War drifted into its third year, President Wilson had his arm twisted by the behemoth of conflict. Wilson’s position on neutrality quickly changed after diplomatic relations with Germany collapsed. Wilson justified his actions by proclaiming that the United States was fighting for a greater cause…a war to end all wars.

Isolationism to “Wilsonian” Idealism American tradition War spurred opposition Midwest—insulation Jeannette Rankin 1st female representative Pacifist Idealism “To make the world safe for democracy” Righteousness—not riches or conquest

Wilson’s Fourteen Points Wilson’s War Aims (Jan. 8, 1918) Three categories: Political boundaries International conduct League of Nations Highlights: Abolishment of secret treaties Freedom of the seas Removal of economic barriers Reduction of armaments Adjustment of colonial claims Self determination International organization that prevents wars

Creel Commission Committee on Public Information Mobilized the minds George Creel 150,000 workers Posters, leaflets, booklets, movies, songs, et cetera… Oversold Wilson’s ideals Pro-war propaganda

Enforcing Unity German-Americans discriminated against Beaten, tarred and feathered, lynched* Banning: Music, literature, instruction in foreign language Liberty cabbage, liberty steak, and liberty pups Espionage and Sedition Acts (1917-18) Opposing the war was a federal offense Targeted labor Eugene V. Debs IWW Schenck v. United States (1919) Suspension of free speech upheld by SCOTUS

The Nation’s Factories Go to War Unpreparedness? Council of National Defense (1915) Economic mobilization Shipbuilding programs War Industries Board Production (?) Capitalism=chaos Government control (?) Bernard Baruch—March 1918 Urge mass production Standardization of products National War Labor Board Leader: Howard Taft encourages business to grant concessions to labor Does not support organization of labor

Suffering Until Suffrage Progressive women split National Woman’s Party Pacifists NAWSA Supported war to shape peace Wilson endorses suffrage 19th amendment (1920) Women in the workforce Filled the labor void in manufacturing Women’s Bureau established National American Woman Suffrage Association

War Economy The Food Administration The Fuel Administration Herbert Hoover—encourages conservation “Victory gardens” Food production: increased by 25% Food exports: tripled Solidifying Prohibition German beer companies The Fuel Administration Conservation Expanding our fleet U.S. seized enemy merchant vessels Increased production of tonnage

Wartime Economy Treasury Department Cost of war Liberty Bonds Taxes 32 billion Liberty Bonds 23 billion Taxes 10 billion

War Without Stint Military Struggle Soldiers U.S. Navy Bolsheviks Trench stalemate Soldiers Selective Service Act (1917) Draft—3 million Volunteer—2 million U.S. Navy Convoy system Bolsheviks American Expeditionary Force (1918) The Doughboys John J. Pershing 11/11 at 11:00 am Armistice Day

The Paris Peace Conference The “Big Four” Woodrow Wilson (US) David Lloyd George (UK) Georges Clemenceau (FR) Vittorio Orlando (ITL) Talking points National self-interest dominates Punish the Germans! Bolshevik threat Treaty contains League of Nations

Ratification Opposition in the Senate Wilson refuses compromise Henry Cabot Lodge Republican Agenda Reservations (14) and amendments Wilson refuses compromise Public tour Becomes ill League membership rejected