Chapter 18 Imperialism. Precedence of Isolationism Washington’s Farewell Address (1796) set the precedent for the United States to pursue a policy of

Chapter 18Chapter 18ImperialismImperialism

Precedence of Precedence of IsolationismIsolationism

Washington’s Farewell Washington’s Farewell Address (1796) set the Address (1796) set the precedent for the United precedent for the United States to pursue a policy of States to pursue a policy of isolationismisolationism. . IsolationismIsolationism was the policy of avoiding was the policy of avoiding involvement in world involvement in world affairs. Although in the affairs. Although in the Monroe DoctrineMonroe Doctrine (1824) the (1824) the United States had declared United States had declared itself the protector of the itself the protector of the entire western hemisphere, entire western hemisphere, isolationism continued to isolationism continued to form the basis of American form the basis of American foreign policy throughout foreign policy throughout most of the nineteenth most of the nineteenth century.century.

George Washington at the end of his presidency. Disturbed by the war between England and France and the attempts of both nations to draw the U.S. into it as an ally, Washington issued a "Farewell Address" in which he warned against permanent alliances with foreign nations.

ImperialismImperialism However, as the United States industrialized However, as the United States industrialized

during the second half of the 1800s, businessmen during the second half of the 1800s, businessmen and politicians increasingly looked longingly and politicians increasingly looked longingly towards foreign markets as a potential source of towards foreign markets as a potential source of American corporate profits. The desire to gain this American corporate profits. The desire to gain this untapped wealth led the United States to expand untapped wealth led the United States to expand its influence in the world during the late its influence in the world during the late nineteenth century. nineteenth century.

Some historians have called this period the age of Some historians have called this period the age of American ImperialismAmerican Imperialism, because during this period , because during this period the United States gained control over Hawaii, the the United States gained control over Hawaii, the Philippines, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. Philippines, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.

ImperialismImperialism is the act of one nation gaining is the act of one nation gaining political or economic control over other countries.political or economic control over other countries.

Many business leaders and politicians Many business leaders and politicians believed believed that US expansion was important because it would that US expansion was important because it would provide the country with more economic markets provide the country with more economic markets and greater potential for economic growthand greater potential for economic growth. .

Others backed imperialism because they Others backed imperialism because they felt that felt that the US needed to expand (or at least be capable of the US needed to expand (or at least be capable of expansion) in order to maintain national securityexpansion) in order to maintain national security. .

Others Others believed it was part of the country’s destiny believed it was part of the country’s destiny and crucial to maintaining a nationalist spiritand crucial to maintaining a nationalist spirit..

Some people, however, Some people, however, supported Isolationism supported Isolationism because they believed we would be pulled into because they believed we would be pulled into foreign conflicts if we practiced Imperialismforeign conflicts if we practiced Imperialism..

Others Others believed this policy would be expensive and believed this policy would be expensive and that this contradicted the ideas about freedom and that this contradicted the ideas about freedom and self-gov’t upon which our nation was foundedself-gov’t upon which our nation was founded..

Commercial/Business Commercial/Business InterestsInterests

Commercial/Business Commercial/Business InterestsInterests

Most expansionists turned their Most expansionists turned their attention towards the Pacific.attention towards the Pacific.

Both political and business Both political and business leaders wanted to trade with leaders wanted to trade with China and other nations in China and other nations in Southeast Asia. They saw the Southeast Asia. They saw the Pacific Ocean as the pathway to Pacific Ocean as the pathway to these markets.these markets.

““Seward’s Folly”: 1867Seward’s Folly”: 1867““Seward’s Folly”: 1867Seward’s Folly”: 1867

$7.2 million$7.2 million

Secretary of State, William Seward, negotiated the Secretary of State, William Seward, negotiated the purchase of Alaska from Russia in 1867.purchase of Alaska from Russia in 1867.

““Seward’s Icebox”: 1867Seward’s Icebox”: 1867““Seward’s Icebox”: 1867Seward’s Icebox”: 1867

Aloha HawaiiAloha HawaiiIn the early 1890s In the early 1890s the United States the United States Marines helped Marines helped American sugar American sugar planters depose planters depose (overthrow) the (overthrow) the Hawaiian monarch Hawaiian monarch Queen Queen LiliuokalaniLiliuokalani. . In 1898 Congress In 1898 Congress agreed to annex agreed to annex Hawaii or add it to Hawaii or add it to United States United States territory.territory.

Queen Liliuokalani (1891-93). American planters, who had established sugar plantations in Hawaii beginning around 1820, became increasingly influential in the economy and government of Hawaii; Queen Liliuokalani's desire for a new constitution, restoring her royal powers, caused a revolt by the planters, and she was deposed in 1893. In 1894 a republic was established, headed by lawyer and missionary son Sanford B. Dole, and annexation by the U.S. followed in 1898.

To The Victor Belongs the To The Victor Belongs the SpoilsSpoils

To The Victor Belongs the To The Victor Belongs the SpoilsSpoils

Hawaiian Annexation Ceremony, 1898

Hawaiian Annexation Ceremony, 1898

Spanish-American WarSpanish-American War In the late 1800s, Cuba was still In the late 1800s, Cuba was still

under Spanish rule. In 1895 the under Spanish rule. In 1895 the Cuban people rebelled and Spain Cuban people rebelled and Spain sent troops to maintain order.sent troops to maintain order.

The Spanish sent thousands of The Spanish sent thousands of Cubans to concentration camps, Cubans to concentration camps, where many died.where many died.

As word got out and American As word got out and American newspapers spread stories of the newspapers spread stories of the horrible conditions in Cuba, the US horrible conditions in Cuba, the US gov’t decided to get involved.gov’t decided to get involved.

Spanish-American WarSpanish-American War

Asst. Secretary of Asst. Secretary of the Navy, the Navy, Theodore Theodore Roosevelt, Roosevelt, became a Lt. became a Lt. Colonel and Colonel and gained command gained command of a group of of a group of volunteers known volunteers known as “Rough as “Rough Riders.”Riders.”


The Spanish-American War officially The Spanish-American War officially began as a result of what happened began as a result of what happened on Feb.15, 1898.on Feb.15, 1898.

A US battleship, the A US battleship, the USS MaineUSS Maine, , exploded while anchored in the exploded while anchored in the Cuban port of Havana.Cuban port of Havana.

Immediately, Immediately, US newspapers blamed US newspapers blamed Spain Spain and US citizens and US citizens demanded war.demanded war.

Congress declared war in April 1898.Congress declared war in April 1898.

““Yellow Journalism”Yellow Journalism”““Yellow Journalism”Yellow Journalism”

Joseph PulitzerJoseph Pulitzer

William Randolph Hearst

William Randolph Hearst

Hearst to Frederick Hearst to Frederick Remington:Remington: You furnish the You furnish the pictures,pictures, and I’ll furnish the war! and I’ll furnish the war!

““Remember the MaineRemember the Maineand to Hell with Spain!”and to Hell with Spain!”““Remember the MaineRemember the Maineand to Hell with Spain!”and to Hell with Spain!”

Funeral for Maine victims in Havana

Funeral for Maine victims in Havana

Yellow JournalismYellow JournalismThe wreck of the U.S.S. The wreck of the U.S.S. MaineMaine, , February 15, 1898. February 15, 1898. The war for Cuban independence The war for Cuban independence coincided with a press war coincided with a press war between between William Randolph Hearst William Randolph Hearst and and Joseph PulitzerJoseph Pulitzer for the largest for the largest newspaper circulation in New newspaper circulation in New York City. Both papers York City. Both papers emphasized similarities between emphasized similarities between Cuba's independence war and the Cuba's independence war and the American Revolution. Then Hearst American Revolution. Then Hearst sent the famous artist, Frederic sent the famous artist, Frederic Remington (1861-1909), to Cuba. Remington (1861-1909), to Cuba. Remington cabled Hearst that Remington cabled Hearst that there was nothing to paint, to there was nothing to paint, to which the publisher supposedly which the publisher supposedly replied, "You supply the pictures replied, "You supply the pictures and I'll supply the war." On and I'll supply the war." On February 15, 1898, the U.S.S. February 15, 1898, the U.S.S. MaineMaine exploded in Havana harbor. exploded in Havana harbor.

An original investigation concluded that the ship was destroyed by an external explosion, probably a Spanish mine. This was refuted in a carefully documented 1976 study by Adm. Hyman G. Rickover, which demonstrated that an internal explosion caused the loss of the ship.


Upon hearing the declaration of war, US Upon hearing the declaration of war, US Commodore George Dewey set sail for Commodore George Dewey set sail for another Spanish colony, the Philippines.another Spanish colony, the Philippines.

Dewey quickly destroyed the Spanish Dewey quickly destroyed the Spanish fleet there and took control of the fleet there and took control of the Philippine Islands.Philippine Islands.

John HayJohn Hay, a good friend of Roosevelt and , a good friend of Roosevelt and future Secretary of State, referred to the future Secretary of State, referred to the taking of the Philippines as taking of the Philippines as “a splendid “a splendid little war.”little war.”

Spanish-American WarSpanish-American War The US maintained control of Cuba, the The US maintained control of Cuba, the

Philippines, Puerto Rico, and Guam Philippines, Puerto Rico, and Guam throughout and after the war.throughout and after the war.

The The Spanish-American War officially ended Spanish-American War officially ended with the signing of the Treaty of Paris 1898.with the signing of the Treaty of Paris 1898.

Many people believed we were wrong to keep Many people believed we were wrong to keep control of the Philippines after the war.control of the Philippines after the war.

Eventually Filipinos, under the command of Eventually Filipinos, under the command of Emilio Aguinaldo, launched a resistance Emilio Aguinaldo, launched a resistance movement which led to 2 years of fighting.movement which led to 2 years of fighting.

Finally in 1902, the Philippines became an Finally in 1902, the Philippines became an “unorganized territory” of the US and in “unorganized territory” of the US and in 1946 they became an independent nation.1946 they became an independent nation.

Emilio AguinaldoEmilio AguinaldoEmilio AguinaldoEmilio Aguinaldo

LLeader of the Filipinoeader of the FilipinoUprising.Uprising.

July 4, 1946:July 4, 1946:Philippine Philippine independenceindependence

Our “Sphere of Influence”Our “Sphere of Influence”Our “Sphere of Influence”Our “Sphere of Influence”

Panama CanalPanama Canal Following the assassination of President William Following the assassination of President William

McKinley in 1901, Theodore Roosevelt became McKinley in 1901, Theodore Roosevelt became president.president.

In order to enable US ships to move more In order to enable US ships to move more quickly b/t the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, quickly b/t the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, Roosevelt envisioned a canal across the isthmus Roosevelt envisioned a canal across the isthmus of Panama.of Panama.

The canal would serve US military and economic The canal would serve US military and economic interests by allowing ships to travel back and interests by allowing ships to travel back and forth b/t US territories without having to go forth b/t US territories without having to go around South America.around South America.

Unfortunately, the Colombian gov’t which Unfortunately, the Colombian gov’t which controlled the territory absolutely refused to controlled the territory absolutely refused to sell or lease the land necessary for the project.sell or lease the land necessary for the project.

Panama CanalPanama Canal In 1903, the Panamanian people revolted In 1903, the Panamanian people revolted

against the Colombian gov’t.against the Colombian gov’t. Roosevelt responded by providing US naval Roosevelt responded by providing US naval

support that would eventually help the support that would eventually help the Panamanians win their independence.Panamanians win their independence.

In return, In return, the Panamanians allowed the US the Panamanians allowed the US to lease the land needed for the canal. to lease the land needed for the canal.

Construction got underway in 1905, and in Construction got underway in 1905, and in 1914, workers completed the Panama Canal.1914, workers completed the Panama Canal.

The US continued to control the canal until The US continued to control the canal until President Jimmy Carter signed a treaty in President Jimmy Carter signed a treaty in 1977 authorizing the transfer of the canal to 1977 authorizing the transfer of the canal to Panama. They finally took control of the Panama. They finally took control of the canal in 1999.canal in 1999.

• U.S. workers first sprayed tons of insecticide across Panama in order to destroy the mosquito eggs in an attempt to limit cases of malaria and yellow fever.

1905 fumigation car eradicating the mosquitoes - Panama City

Panama CanalPanama CanalPanama CanalPanama Canal

TR in Panama(Construction

begins in 1904)

TR in Panama(Construction

begins in 1904)

Animation: How the Panama Canal Works

Panama Canal Timelapse

Roosevelt CorollaryRoosevelt Corollary In 1904, Roosevelt issued a statement that came to In 1904, Roosevelt issued a statement that came to

be known as the be known as the Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe DoctrineDoctrine. . Corollary means “what naturally follows Corollary means “what naturally follows from.” from.”

It was a statement which It was a statement which expanded upon the Monroe expanded upon the Monroe DoctrineDoctrine; Monroe had said that the US would not ; Monroe had said that the US would not allow European nations to colonize the newly allow European nations to colonize the newly independent nations in the Western Hemisphere, nor independent nations in the Western Hemisphere, nor would the US intervene with such nations.would the US intervene with such nations.

Roosevelt added to this saying that Roosevelt added to this saying that the US had the the US had the right to intervene in the region if a nation had right to intervene in the region if a nation had trouble paying its debtstrouble paying its debts (these nations were very poor (these nations were very poor and had taken out loans from European nations).and had taken out loans from European nations).

This doctrine came to be known as Roosevelt’s This doctrine came to be known as Roosevelt’s “big “big stick diplomacy.” stick diplomacy.”

This phrase came from a West African proverb which This phrase came from a West African proverb which said, said, “Speak softly and carry a big stick.”“Speak softly and carry a big stick.” It meant It meant that that the US did not intend to be a threatening the US did not intend to be a threatening presence in the Western Hemisphere, but neither presence in the Western Hemisphere, but neither would it hesitate to forcefully protect its own would it hesitate to forcefully protect its own interests.interests.

Constable of the WorldConstable of the WorldConstable of the WorldConstable of the World

The Roosevelt Corollary to The Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine: 1905the Monroe Doctrine: 1905The Roosevelt Corollary to The Roosevelt Corollary to

the Monroe Doctrine: 1905the Monroe Doctrine: 1905Chronic wrongdoing… Chronic wrongdoing… may in America, as may in America, as elsewhere, ultimately elsewhere, ultimately require intervention require intervention by some civilized by some civilized nation, and in the nation, and in the Western Hemisphere Western Hemisphere the adherence of the the adherence of the United States to the United States to the Monroe Doctrine may Monroe Doctrine may force the United force the United States, however States, however reluctantly, in flagrant reluctantly, in flagrant cases of suchcases of such wrongdoing or wrongdoing or impotence, to the impotence, to the exercise of an exercise of an international police international police powerpower .

Chapter 19Chapter 19World War IWorld War I1914-19181914-1918

World War IWorld War I

In 1914, war broke out in Europe. In 1914, war broke out in Europe. Although it originally began as a Although it originally began as a conflict b/t European powers, it conflict b/t European powers, it eventually involved the US and many eventually involved the US and many other nations.other nations.

The causes of the war were in place The causes of the war were in place long before the first shots were ever long before the first shots were ever fired.fired.

The The M.A.I.N. CausesM.A.I.N. Causes of the First World Warof the First World War

M- Militarism- Glorification of military strength and getting ready for war.

A- Alliances- An agreement between countries to support each other in case of war.

I- Imperialism- Trying to build up an Empire.

N- Nationalism- Strong loyalty and devotion to one's country and culture.

““Entangling Entangling Alliances”Alliances”

World War IWorld War I The spark that ignited the “Great War” The spark that ignited the “Great War”

happened on June 28, 1914.happened on June 28, 1914. The The Austro-Hungarian Austro-Hungarian Archduke Franz Archduke Franz

FerdinandFerdinand and his wife were assassinated and his wife were assassinated in Sarajevo, Bosnia by a member of the in Sarajevo, Bosnia by a member of the SerbianSerbian terrorist organization known as terrorist organization known as the “the “Black HandBlack Hand”. ”.

Austria-Hungary accused Serbia of being Austria-Hungary accused Serbia of being involved in the assassination and involved in the assassination and threatened to go to warthreatened to go to war..

Russia, which was allied with Serbia, Russia, which was allied with Serbia, vowed to intervene if Austria-Hungary vowed to intervene if Austria-Hungary attackedattacked..

This brought Germany into the mix b/c of This brought Germany into the mix b/c of their alliance with Austria-Hungarytheir alliance with Austria-Hungary..

1. The first attempt using a grenade missed the Archduke and exploded behind the royal car.

2. On the second attempt, they were killed by a Serbian student, Gavrilo Princip. a. The Archduke was shot in the neck and his wife was shot in the stomach.

The Archduke’s blood soaked tunic.

The Assassination of the ArchdukeThe Assassination of the Archduke

The Assassination of the ArchdukeThe Assassination of the Archduke

Because of his age (19 yrs, 11 months), Princip could not be executed for this crime. The law required an individual to be at least 20 years old. Princip died in prison during the war of tuberculosis.

Despite being the heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, Ferdinand was not liked because he married Sophia, a person not of royal blood. She was considered a commoner.

Today, Princip is considered a Serbian national hero and there are two embedded footprints on the sidewalk where he stood when he fired the two fatal shots, which triggered WWI.


Due to existing alliances, Europe Due to existing alliances, Europe was divided and at war.was divided and at war.

Great Britain, France, and RussiaGreat Britain, France, and Russia formed an alliance known as the formed an alliance known as the Triple EntenteTriple Entente//Allied PowersAllied Powers..

Germany and Austria-HungaryGermany and Austria-Hungary formed an alliance known as the formed an alliance known as the Triple AllianceTriple Alliance//Central PowersCentral Powers..

United States in WWIUnited States in WWI

At first, the US did not get involved in the At first, the US did not get involved in the war.war.

In fact, In fact, in 1914, President Woodrow in 1914, President Woodrow Wilson officially declared the US neutral Wilson officially declared the US neutral (not backing either side).(not backing either side).

Many in the US still believed in Many in the US still believed in isolationism isolationism (the belief that the US (the belief that the US should stay out of international conflicts) should stay out of international conflicts) and did not see the war in Europe as and did not see the war in Europe as being any concern to the US.being any concern to the US.


Others supported “preparedness”, Others supported “preparedness”, which supported neutrality while which supported neutrality while taking steps to prepare for war just taking steps to prepare for war just in case it became necessary.in case it became necessary.

US policy towards the war became US policy towards the war became the key issue in the Election of 1916; the key issue in the Election of 1916; Wilson narrowly won a second term Wilson narrowly won a second term with his slogan, “He kept us out of with his slogan, “He kept us out of war!”war!”


Despite Wilson’s original desire for Despite Wilson’s original desire for neutrality, several factors led to US neutrality, several factors led to US involvement in the war.involvement in the war.

While many German immigrants favored While many German immigrants favored the Central Powers, the Central Powers, most of the most of the country’s public supported the Triple country’s public supported the Triple Entente.Entente.

As time passed, As time passed, people came to view people came to view Germany as a ruthless aggressor out to Germany as a ruthless aggressor out to destroy democracy and freedom.destroy democracy and freedom.

United States in WWIUnited States in WWI One of Germany’s finest and fiercest weapons One of Germany’s finest and fiercest weapons

were their U-boats were their U-boats ((UnterseebootUnterseeboot=submarine)=submarine)

The Germans warned all nations that they The Germans warned all nations that they would attack any ships entering or leaving would attack any ships entering or leaving British ports.British ports.

President Wilson rejected the warning, President Wilson rejected the warning, arguing that no warring party could be arguing that no warring party could be allowed to disrupt neutral shipping in the allowed to disrupt neutral shipping in the Atlantic.Atlantic.

In reality the US was not entirely neutral; it In reality the US was not entirely neutral; it had begun shipping military supplies aboard had begun shipping military supplies aboard commercial cruise liners!commercial cruise liners!

United States in WWIUnited States in WWI One of these liners, the One of these liners, the LusitaniaLusitania, was , was

torpedoed by a German U-boat in 1915.torpedoed by a German U-boat in 1915. 1200 people died in the attack, including 1200 people died in the attack, including

128 American citizens.128 American citizens. People in the US were furious! Anti-People in the US were furious! Anti-

German feeling swept across the country.German feeling swept across the country. Not wanting to pull the US into the war, Not wanting to pull the US into the war,

Germany agreed not to attack anymore US Germany agreed not to attack anymore US passenger ships.passenger ships.

In 1917, however, they resumed In 1917, however, they resumed unrestricted submarine warfare.unrestricted submarine warfare.

American neutrality was put to the test in May 1915, when the American neutrality was put to the test in May 1915, when the German submarine U-20 sank the British luxury liner German submarine U-20 sank the British luxury liner LusitaniaLusitania, , which was carrying 1200 passengers and a cargo of ammunition which was carrying 1200 passengers and a cargo of ammunition for British rifles. The German embassy had warned Americans that for British rifles. The German embassy had warned Americans that Allied vessels in the war zone were fair targets, but 128 Americans Allied vessels in the war zone were fair targets, but 128 Americans had ignored the warning and met their deaths. Wilson accused the had ignored the warning and met their deaths. Wilson accused the Germans of brutality, demanded that they stop submarine warfare, Germans of brutality, demanded that they stop submarine warfare, and refused to ban American passengers from sailing on Allied and refused to ban American passengers from sailing on Allied vessels. vessels.

The decision to enter the war resulted from continuing German submarine warfare against American merchant shipping and American cultural and historical ties to Great Britain.


It was also in 1917 that the US It was also in 1917 that the US intercepted the intercepted the Zimmermann TelegramZimmermann Telegram..

Arthur Zimmermann, the German Foreign Arthur Zimmermann, the German Foreign Minister, sent a telegram to the German Minister, sent a telegram to the German embassy in Mexico in which he told embassy in Mexico in which he told embassy officials to ask Mexico to attack embassy officials to ask Mexico to attack the US if it declared war on Germany.the US if it declared war on Germany.

In return, Germany promised to help In return, Germany promised to help Mexico win back land the US had acquired Mexico win back land the US had acquired as a result of the Mexican-American War.as a result of the Mexican-American War.

Zimmermann's message was:FROM 2nd from London # 5747. "We intend to begin on the first of February unrestricted submarine warfare. We shall endeavor in spite of this to keep the United States of America neutral. In the event of this not succeeding, we make Mexico a proposal of alliance on the following basis: make war together, make peace together, generous financial support and an understanding on our part that Mexico is to reconquer the lost territory in Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. The settlement in detail is left to you. You will inform the President of the above most secretly as soon as the outbreak of war with the United States of America is certain and add the suggestion that he should, on his own initiative, invite Japan to immediate adherence and at the same time mediate between Japan and ourselves. Please call the President's attention to the fact that the ruthless employment of our submarines now offers the prospect of compelling England in a few months to make peace." Signed, ZIMMERMANN


Anti-German sentiment increased even Anti-German sentiment increased even more when news of the telegram got out more when news of the telegram got out and President Wilson broke off all and President Wilson broke off all diplomatic relations with Germany.diplomatic relations with Germany.

In March 1917, Wilson made an idealistic In March 1917, Wilson made an idealistic case for war before Congress, claiming case for war before Congress, claiming that the world “must be made safe for that the world “must be made safe for democracy.”democracy.”

Congress passed a war resolution and in Congress passed a war resolution and in April 1917 the US officially entered the April 1917 the US officially entered the war.war.

Wilson delivering his War Wilson delivering his War Message. The final break Message. The final break with Germany came in with Germany came in the wake of two incidents. the wake of two incidents. FirstFirst - The Germans - The Germans announced early in 1917 announced early in 1917 that they would resume that they would resume unrestricted submarine unrestricted submarine warfare. At first, horrified warfare. At first, horrified that his policy of "strict that his policy of "strict accountability" seemed accountability" seemed now to demand war, now to demand war, Wilson did nothing.Wilson did nothing.

Second - Then in February, the British revealed the contents of the "Zimmermann Telegraph," proposing a German-Mexican alliance under which Mexico would recover all the territory it had lost to the U.S. in the 1840s. Wilson began arming merchant ships, and on April 2, 1917, Wilson appeared before the Congress asking for a declaration of war against Germany.

Weapons of Weapons of the Great the Great War:War:

TanksTanks Poison gasPoison gas DogfightsDogfights Machine Machine

gunsguns

World War IWorld War IBy the time the American troops arrived in substantial numbers in the spring of 1918, British and French units had endured more than three years of increasingly costly trench warfare. These British troops are shown on the front line in the Somme area in August 1916. The Battle of the Somme, in the summer and fall of 1916, achieved almost no changes in the positions of the German and Allied armies, but 420,000 British, 200,000 French, and 450,000 Germans lost their lives, and the area was almost totally destroyed.

“No Man’s Land”



The US was not prepared to send a The US was not prepared to send a large army to Europe right away.large army to Europe right away.

In order to boost the number of US In order to boost the number of US soldiers, Congress passed the soldiers, Congress passed the Selective Service Act Selective Service Act authorizing a authorizing a draft of young men for military service.draft of young men for military service.

US soldiers played a vital role in US soldiers played a vital role in helping the Triple Entente and its helping the Triple Entente and its allies defeat the Central Powers.allies defeat the Central Powers.

By the guidelines set down by the Selective Service Act, all males aged 21 to 30 were required to register for military service. At the request of the War Department, Congress amended the law in August 1918 to expand the age range to include all men 18 to 45, and to bar further volunteering. By the end of World War I, some 2 million men volunteered for various branches of the armed services, and some 2.8 million had been drafted. In fact, more than half of the almost 4.8 million Americans who served in the armed forces were drafted.Due to the effort to incite patriotic fervor, the World War I draft had a high success rate, with fewer than 350,000 men “dodging” the draft.

United States in WWIUnited States in WWI Although the fighting took place Although the fighting took place

overseas, WWI had a huge impact on overseas, WWI had a huge impact on life in the US.life in the US.

The war meant an increased role for The war meant an increased role for gov’t in the US: gov’t in the US:

Using powers granted to him by Using powers granted to him by Congress, President Wilson helped Congress, President Wilson helped establish federal agencies to oversee establish federal agencies to oversee the nation’s wartime economy and to the nation’s wartime economy and to encourage public support for the war.encourage public support for the war.


Through movies, pamphlets, newspapers, and Through movies, pamphlets, newspapers, and magazines the gov’t showed the Germans as magazines the gov’t showed the Germans as evil.evil.

Wilson asked Herbert Hoover to lead the Food Wilson asked Herbert Hoover to lead the Food Administration to encourage Americans to Administration to encourage Americans to conserve food that could be used in the war conserve food that could be used in the war effort.effort.

The gov’t also tried to conserve fuel The gov’t also tried to conserve fuel nationwide.nationwide.

http://www.firstworldwar.com/posters/usa.htmhttp://www.firstworldwar.com/posters/usa.htm

The gov’t also passed laws that limited The gov’t also passed laws that limited freedom.freedom.

Congress passed the Congress passed the EspionageEspionage and and Sedition ActsSedition Acts which made it illegal to which made it illegal to interfere with the draft, obstruct the sale interfere with the draft, obstruct the sale of Liberty Bonds, or make statements of Liberty Bonds, or make statements considered disloyal to or critical of the considered disloyal to or critical of the gov’t.gov’t.

Socialist union leader, Socialist union leader, Eugene V. DebsEugene V. Debs, , was actually sentenced to 10 years in was actually sentenced to 10 years in prison under these laws for criticizing the prison under these laws for criticizing the US gov’t!US gov’t!


The nation’s enlarged military The nation’s enlarged military needed supplies and demand for needed supplies and demand for products combined with a lack of products combined with a lack of workers led many African Americans workers led many African Americans living in the South to move to living in the South to move to northern cities.northern cities.

This is called the This is called the Great MigrationGreat Migration..

Ending WWIEnding WWI In 1918, Germany finally signed an In 1918, Germany finally signed an

armisticearmistice (cease-fire agreement) ending (cease-fire agreement) ending hostilities.hostilities.

Leaders of the warring nations met for a Leaders of the warring nations met for a peace conference in Paris, France.peace conference in Paris, France.

President Wilson went to the conference with President Wilson went to the conference with no desire to punish Germany for the war.no desire to punish Germany for the war.

He put forth his peace proposal known as the He put forth his peace proposal known as the Fourteen PointsFourteen Points, which called for reduction , which called for reduction in armaments (weapons) and the right to in armaments (weapons) and the right to self-determination (power to govern oneself).self-determination (power to govern oneself).

World War IWorld War IThe Versailles Peace Conference was led by the Council of The Versailles Peace Conference was led by the Council of Four nicknamed the “Big Four”:Four nicknamed the “Big Four”:

American President, American President, Woodrow WilsonWoodrow Wilson British Prime Minister, British Prime Minister, David Lloyd GeorgeDavid Lloyd George French Premier, French Premier, George ClemenceauGeorge Clemenceau Italian Prime Minister, Italian Prime Minister, Vittorio OrlandoVittorio Orlando

Ending WWIEnding WWI

Wilson also proposed founding the Wilson also proposed founding the League of NationsLeague of Nations, which would , which would provide a place for countries to provide a place for countries to peacefully discuss solutions for their peacefully discuss solutions for their differences instead of going to war.differences instead of going to war.

A number of nations joined, but A number of nations joined, but the the US never did join b/c the US was US never did join b/c the US was moving back towards isolationism moving back towards isolationism and Congress refused.and Congress refused.

Ending WWIEnding WWI

Finally the Treaty of Versailles was agreed Finally the Treaty of Versailles was agreed upon, but upon, but the US never signedthe US never signed..

It made Germany take full responsibility for It made Germany take full responsibility for the war and required them to pay war the war and required them to pay war reparations (money to compensate for losses reparations (money to compensate for losses from the war).from the war).

These conditions led to economic depression These conditions led to economic depression and great bitterness in Germany.and great bitterness in Germany.

This resentment would ultimately lead to the This resentment would ultimately lead to the rise in power of a leader named Adolf Hitler.rise in power of a leader named Adolf Hitler.

World War IWorld War IThe The Treaty of VersaillesTreaty of Versailles, which ended World War I, recognized these three , which ended World War I, recognized these three principles. However, it also included the principles. However, it also included the mandate systemmandate system, which violated the , which violated the idea of national self-determination. Under the terms of the Treaty of Versailles, 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 a mandate was a region administered by another country until it was judged ready for independence. The Versailles Treaty divided the Ottoman Empire ready for independence. The Versailles Treaty divided the Ottoman Empire (Turkey) into mandates, lands to be supervised or governed by the Allies under (Turkey) into mandates, lands to be supervised or governed by the Allies under the direction of the League of Nations. the direction of the League of Nations. France received Syria, and Britain France received Syria, and Britain received Palestine and Iraqreceived Palestine and Iraq..

The Treaty of Versailles also provided for the punishment of Germany. Against the wishes of President Wilson, Great Britain and France had insisted that the treaty hold Germany responsible for the war. Finally, the Treaty of Versailles redrew national boundaries in Europe, which created many new nations including Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, and Poland. In short, the Treaty of Versailles recognized the principle of national self-determination in Europe, but not in the Middle East, Africa, or Asia.

Documents

Chapter 18 Imperialism. Precedence of Isolationism Washington’s Farewell Address (1796) set the precedent for the United States to pursue a policy of