World War One
Wilson did not want to enter into the war because public
opinion was basically isolationist. No one could put a
good case for the US entering the war during its early
stages. Was far away, and involved territorial disputes
and balance of power politics that did not seem to
impinge upon US interests.
Therefore Wilson and Congress affirmed US neutrality –
Wilson emphasized this during the 1916 presidential
campaign
Trade Interests
However, as part of neutrality, insisted, as during
Napoleonic War, with trading with both sides
With the British blockade of mainland, this meant
mostly trade with GB and allies. Did not sit
well with Germany, who was trying a blockade
of its own through use of submarines
Entry into the War
In 1917, Germany declared unrestricted
submarine warfare, and US began arming
merchant ships.
After a series of losses, US declared war on
Germany (who knew it was inevitable, but
thought it could defeat the allies before
meaningful help could arrive from the US).
Major Reasons for Entering the War
1. To protect national interests in the form of economic
trade lines, as was the case in war with Barbary pirates
and War of 1812—public opinion outraged.
2. Natural sympathy toward GB and France
Assertiveness of US as a Great Power—wanted,
eventually, a stake in the outcome in Europe, and
particularly didn’t want to see Germany become
hegemonic in Europe. A gradual realization that
interests in Asia and in South America, as well as
Europe, were at stake. A broadening of scope of
geographical interests
Experience of War

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1. Costly in men and equipment, viewed as a slaughter
2. Didn’t have a convincing outcome—“armistice” didn’t
give allies feeling of total victory, while socialist
outbreaks in Germany and Austria-Hungary scared
everyone, particularly given the successful Bolshevik
revolution in Russia. Had included US, British
intervention in Russia on the side of the White forces.
3. Didn’t have a “moral” outcome in US point of view—
Germany punished too harshly, and its colonies
weren’t freed, but turned over to other colonial powers.
Peace
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1. Wilson unable to get peace on the terms he
wanted—non-punitive, implementation of the principle
of national self-determination, end of hostile alliances.
Had to compromise on the idealistic “14 Points” which
he formulated as US war aims.
2. US failed to ratify Versailles Treaty, on the basis of
the harshness of terms, and the acceptance of the
League of Nations as an international body (which had
been Wilson’s idea).
Interwar Period
1. Began with Coolidge’s administration, which
emphasized “normalcy”. This could be
translated as a non-activist policy.
2. Only limited cooperation with League of
Nations, mostly with regard to international
criminal activities.
Activities in Interwar Period
1. Did become involved in international treaties,
though no alliances, mostly aimed at keeping
the world environment stable, so as not to drag
the US into another war:
a) Agreement at Washington Conference of
1921-1922, which set limits on building of
capital navy ships, freezing overall tonnage at
the current level.
Activities
b)Four-Power Treaty of 1921—Britain, Japan, France
and US agreed to respect each other’s possessions in
the Pacific
c)Nine-Power Treaty (4 + Belgium, China, Italy, the
Netherlands,
and
Portugal)—respect
for
the
sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of
China
d) Kellog-Briand Pact of 1928—60 nations renounced
war as an instrument of foreign policy.
Activities
4) Disputes with both allies and Germany over war loans
and reparations—US wanted loans repaid, didn’t care
about reparations; France and England wanted
reparations, didn’t want to repay loans to US because
thought that US profited from war.
5) Policy of economic protectionism, as FordneyMcCumber Act of 1922 and Hawley-Smoot Act of 1930
raised tariffs on imports, also contributing to tensions
with Europeans and to the onset of the Depression
Destabilizing Factors Between the
Wars
Presence of the Soviet Union as an “alien” state
which posed a threat to the conservative mindset of
Europe.
2) Expansion of Japan as a major power in Asia and the
Atlantic area. Invasion of China
3) Terms of the Treaty of Versailles, which made created
grievances in Germany
4) Great Depression, which pushed US more inward,
made Britain and France internationally unpredictable,
destabilized the Weimar Republic in Germany, and
helped bring Hitler to power.
1)
Roosevelt’s Early Foreign Policy
1) Continued policy of limited engagement in
international affairs—tended to reinforce the economic
isolation of his predecessors.
2)Continued earlier policies of improving relations with
South American neighbors:
a) Agreed in 1933 to a policy of non-intervention in state
affairs
b) Withdrew military forces from Nicaragua in 1933, and
from Haiti in 1934, as conditions there had stabilized.
c) Negotiated for an end to occupation in Panama, and
for the joint defense of the canal.
Roosevelt’s Early Foreign Policy
1)Set in motion the independence of the Philippines
2)Recognition of Soviet Union in 1933, partly out of
mutual fear of Japanese. Able to overcome years of
apprehension, squabbles over Tsarist debts, and
impact of the early purges. Also thought that USSR
could become an important market for US goods, but
didn’t develop that way. Points of the recognition:
a) No Soviet propaganda in US
b) Religious freedom for US citizens in USSR
c) To have an agreement guaranteeing fair trial for US
citizens accused of crimes in USSR
d) Deal with question of debts