The USA Before Joining World War 1 I THE GREAT WAR - Special

Summary

This special episode explores the United States' path to entering World War I, focusing on the period from 1914 to 1917. It delves into the nation's neutrality, the split opinions among immigrant communities, and President Wilson's evolving stance on the war. Despite initially maintaining neutrality, economic interests, public opinion, and German aggression led to a shift in policy. The U.S. eventually declared war in 1917, marking a pivotal moment in its transformation into a global power. The episode also highlights Wilson's leadership and the complex decision-making process that led to America's involvement.

Takeaways

• 😀 The United States was neutral at the beginning of World War I, but public opinion and government actions shifted over time towards supporting the Allies.
• 😀 By 1910, the US had become the world's leading industrial power, holding 35.5% of global manufacturing capacity.
• 😀 The US had a diverse population, with significant immigrant communities, including Germans, Irish, and Jewish people, who had varied opinions on the war.
• 😀 President Woodrow Wilson initially aimed to mediate the conflict but later shifted towards supporting the Allies, especially after German actions like unrestricted submarine warfare.
• 😀 In 1914, President Wilson declared neutrality, but Americans still actively contributed humanitarian aid, including sending 6 million tons of food to Belgium.
• 😀 There were strong divisions in the US regarding support for either the Allies or the Central Powers, influenced by ethnic backgrounds and historical grievances.
• 😀 Despite neutrality, the US economy boomed due to munitions and war supplies exports, with the value of exports rising from $40 million in 1914 to $1.29 billion by 1916.
• 😀 The US acted as the Allies' banker, lending over $2 billion to them while only lending $27 million to the Central Powers.
• 😀 The German community, Jewish community, and Irish Americans often supported the Central Powers, while many Americans of Anglo-Saxon descent supported the Allies.
• 😀 The sinking of the Lusitania and other German submarine attacks that killed American civilians helped turn US public opinion towards war, despite initial reluctance.
• 😀 President Wilson's views on intervention evolved, especially after the Russian Revolution and the continuation of German unrestricted submarine warfare, leading to his request for a declaration of war in April 1917.

Q & A

What was the United States' stance on World War I in 1914?

In 1914, the United States was officially neutral in World War I, with President Woodrow Wilson declaring neutrality on August 19, 1914.

How did the United States become a global power before World War I?

By 1910, the United States had become the world's leading industrial power, controlling 35.5% of the world's manufacturing capacity, surpassing Germany and Britain.

What was the demographic composition of the United States in the years leading up to World War I?

The U.S. had a large immigrant population, with 15 million European immigrants, particularly from the British Isles, Germany, and Ireland, contributing to a divided opinion on the war.

What role did American industry play in the early stages of the war?

American industry played a crucial role by providing economic support to the Allies, including selling munitions and war materials, and lending over $2 billion to the Allies by 1917.

Why did the U.S. initially support the Allies despite having a significant German immigrant population?

The U.S. supported the Allies due to several factors, including cultural ties to Britain, media influence, and the portrayal of German atrocities, such as the rape of Belgium and the execution of Edith Cavell.

What was the significance of the Lusitania and Arabic incidents in U.S. decision-making?

The sinking of the British liners Lusitania and Arabic by German submarines, resulting in American civilian casualties, galvanized U.S. public opinion against Germany and increased support for intervention.

How did President Wilson's views on intervention evolve between 1914 and 1917?

Initially opposed to war, Wilson's views shifted due to Germany's unrestricted submarine warfare, the loss of American lives, and the influence of advisors like Edward House and Secretary of State Robert Lansing.

What was the National Defense Act of 1916, and how did it reflect U.S. preparation for war?

The National Defense Act of 1916 doubled the size of the U.S. Army and reflected Wilson's recognition that the U.S. might be drawn into the conflict, prompting increased military preparedness.

What role did the Russian Revolution play in the U.S. decision to enter World War I?

The Russian Revolution, which overthrew the Tsar, removed one of the contradictions in the Allies' claim to fight for democracy, making it easier for Wilson to justify American involvement in the war.

What was President Wilson's rationale for asking Congress to declare war on Germany in April 1917?

By April 1917, Germany's unrestricted submarine warfare campaign had resulted in American casualties, and Wilson recognized the need for the U.S. to take a stand, leading him to ask Congress for a declaration of war.