Alan Brinkley: The Unfinished Nation, Chapter 21

America and the Great War

Background

• The Great War refers to World War I.
• Prior to WWI, the era of imperialism was significant.

American Imperialism

• Teddy Roosevelt was a major proponent of American imperialism.
  • Became president in 1901 after McKinley's assassination.
  • Advocated for a strong military and diplomacy: "Speak softly and carry a big stick."
  • Modernized the U.S. Navy, making it the second strongest by 1906.
  • Mediated the peace in the Russo-Japanese War, earning the 1906 Nobel Peace Prize.

Roosevelt's Policies

• Roosevelt Corollary expanded on the Monroe Doctrine, asserting U.S. authority over Latin America.
• Panama Canal: U.S. supported Panama's independence from Colombia to construct the canal.

Successors' Foreign Policies

• William Howard Taft: Promoted "dollar diplomacy" – investing in other nations instead of using military force.
• Woodrow Wilson: Faced challenges with Mexico during a period of revolution.

World War I (1914-1918)

Causes

• Alliances: Countries like Britain, France, Russia (Triple Entente) led to larger conflict.
• Militarism, Nationalism, Imperialism, Assassination: Recalled as "Mania."
  • Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand sparked the war.

U.S. Involvement

• Initially declared neutrality under Wilson.
• Economic ties with the Allies and German U-boat attacks influenced entry.
• Zimmerman Telegram proposed German-Mexico alliance against the U.S.
• Entered war in 1917; Wilson aimed to "make the world safe for democracy."

War Developments

• Trench Warfare: Characterized by stalemates due to machine gun defenses.
• Technology: Introduction of tanks, chemical weapons, airplanes, U-boats.

End of War and Casualties

• Armistice: Signed in November 1918.
• High casualties, with millions dead across nations.
• Spanish Flu outbreak followed the war, exacerbating death tolls.

Domestic Impact of WWI

Economic and Social Changes

• Total War: Society fully mobilized; liberty bonds funded the war.
• War Industries Board (WIB): Organized businesses for war production.

Propaganda and Civil Liberties

• Committee on Public Information (CPI): Spread propaganda to support the war.
• Espionage and Sedition Acts: Suppressed anti-war sentiments.

Post-War Challenges

• Paris Peace Conference: Wilson's 14 Points aimed for a peaceful world order.
• League of Nations: Proposed but U.S. did not join due to opposition from Congress.
• Transition to Isolationism post-war.

Domestic Instabilities

• Labor Unrest and Red Scare: Post-war economic adjustments led to strikes and fears of communism.
• Racial Tensions: Great Migration led to increased racial violence in the North (Red Summer).
• Marcus Garvey: Advocated for black nationalism, rejecting assimilation.

Political and Societal Reaction

• Palmer Raids: Targeted suspected communists; reflected national fear during the Red Scare.
• Sacco and Vanzetti: Example of anti-immigrant and anti-radical sentiment leading to execution.