Woodrow Wilson

Prior to the First World War, America followed a policy of Isolationism.

History had taught that republics that engaged in frequent wars eventually lost their character as free states. War was only in defense.

John Quincy Adams became the architect of what was known as the Monroe Doctrine.

It said that America would not interfere in European affairs if they in turn, did not interfere in American issues.

Wilson believed that the duty of America was to protect democracy and free peoples in other countries rather than spread imperialism.

Protecting democracy meant protecting fledgling republics in Latin America that had struggled in decades past with corrupt governments, pressures from European powers and even American imperialism.

To atone for these mistakes, Wilson spent the first years of office dealing with Latin American issues.

World War One

There were small groups of America's population who were American-French or American-Germans. the bulk of Americans believed that they should stay out of the War. As Wilson sought re-election in 1916, he had to listen to what the people wanted.

'It is a fearful thing to lead this great peaceful people into war, but the right is more precious than peace and we shall fight for the things which we have always carried dearest to our hearts, for democracy'.

1915

May 7th- The British ocean liner the Lusitania was sunk by a German U boat. 1,198 out of 1,959 were killed. 148 were American.

Pro-British propaganda was in the press

-Invasion of neutral Belgium (Belgium was neutral just as America was, people worried that same would happen with America)

-Atrocities

-Submarine warfare.

Submarine warfare threatened the American economy.

1917

Germany launched an all-out submarine warfare on every commercial ship heading to Britain and started sinking American ships in the North Atlantic

February 3rd: U.S cargo shop Houssatonic sank. Diplomatic relations with Germany broke off.

February 3rd-March 21st- 6 merchant ships sank with no warning

March 1st-The Zimmerman telegram was published in American press and inflamed American public opinion against Germant. Helped to convince Congress to declare war.

April 2nd-Wilson asked Congress to declare war on Germany.

April 4th- Senate passes resolution of 82:6. House of Representatives 373:50

April 6th-Woodrow Wilson signed the resolution

Peace Negotiations after the War

The Fourteen Points was a statement of principles for peace that was to be used for peace negotiations in order to end World War 1. The principles were outlined in a January 8th 1918 speech on war aims and peace terms to the United States congress by President Wilson.

Here are some points they advocated for:

• Open diplomacy

• Removal of economic barrier

• Reduction of armaments

• Creation of an Association of Nations

Peace Keeping powers

MORAL CONDEMNATION: Putting pressure on aggressions, i.e Manchurian crisis.

ECONOMIC SANCTIONS: Stop trading with the aggression i.e, against Italy in the Abyssinian crisis.

MILITARY FORCE: All countries would contribute an armed force which would be used against the aggressor.

Permanent members: Britain , France Italy, Japan

Additions: Germany joined (1926-1933)

USSR joined (1934)

Permanent?

Japan withdraws 1933

Italy withdraws 1937

USA never joins

Involvement without Commitment

Washington Naval Agreement-1922

Britain, France USA and Japan agreed to limit the size of their navies

Kellogg Briand Pact-1928

International agreement that said not to use war to resolve 'disputes or conflicts of whatever origins or whatever nature they may be which may arise among them'.

These both showed that although America was not a part of the League of Nations, it was still recognised as a world superpower.