Lecture Notes: Woodrow Wilson's Address to Congress, April 1917

Context of the Lecture

• Date: April 1917
• Background:
  • World War I has been ongoing since 1914.
  • The Allied Powers (Britain, France, Russia) vs. Axis Powers (Germany, Austria-Hungary).
  • The U.S. maintained neutrality initially under President Woodrow Wilson.

Key Events Leading to U.S. Involvement

• RMS Lusitania Sinking (May 7, 1915):

  • Torpedoed by a German U-boat.
  • Resulted in the death of 1,193 passengers, including Americans.

• Unrestricted Submarine Warfare (January 1917):

  • Germany's strategy to attack any ship heading towards British and French ports.
  • U.S. ships and neutral ships were targeted.

• Zimmerman Telegram:

  • A secret communication from Germany to Mexico proposing an alliance against the U.S., intercepted and disclosed by Britain.

Wilson’s Address to Congress

• Purpose of the Address:
  • To request a declaration of war against Germany.
  • It is constitutionally required that Congress declares war, not the President.

Wilson's Justification for War

1. Unrestricted Submarine Warfare:

   • Described as "a warfare against all mankind".
   • German actions threaten the U.S. and all neutral nations.

2. Moral and Global Position:

   • Germany's aggression challenges the world order and human rights.
   • The U.S. must champion human rights, separating the German people from their government.

3. Making the World Safe for Democracy:

   • The U.S. does not seek revenge, conquest, or material gain.
   • The goal is to vindicate the rights of mankind and make the world safe for democracy.

Constitutional and Governmental Considerations

• Role of Congress and Executive Branch:

  • Congress declares war; the President executes it.
  • Wilson requests authority and flexibility in managing war efforts.

• Efficient War Management:

  • Emphasizes the need for streamlined government operations during wartime.

Rhetorical Strategies

• Distinction between German People and Government:

  • Avoids blaming the German populace for their government's actions.

• Vision for Peace and Democracy:

  • Promotes global democracy as a means to prevent future conflicts.

Aftermath

• U.S. War Declaration and Involvement:

  • U.S. enters WWI and fights on the Western Front.
  • Hundreds of thousands of American soldiers' lives lost, but eventual victory.

• Wilson’s 14 Points and League of Nations:

  • Post-war vision for global peace and cooperation.

Conclusion

• Wilson’s Vision:
  • A world order based on rights, democracy, and peace.
  • U.S.'s role as a champion of these values in the international arena.

Additional Resources

• Links to the Bill of Rights Institute for further learning on U.S. history, government, and Wilson's policies.