Woodrow Wilson and World War I

Question 1

Woodrow Wilson, The First World War, and The League Fight

Answer 1

World War I Involvement:
U.S. drawn into World War I due to its status as an imperial power and active trader
President Woodrow Wilson’s struggle to define policies protecting U.S. interests and principles
Neutrality Efforts:
Wilson’s attempts to maintain neutrality, protesting violations of U.S. neutral rights
Proposal for a “peace without victory” to end the conflict
Shift to Belligerence:
Challenges to neutrality, including the sinking of the Lusitania and Germany’s unrestricted submarine warfare
Wilson’s request to Congress for a declaration of war in response to Germany’s actions
Wilson’s Peace Initiatives:
Wilson’s post-war objectives to shape peace and influence the peace settlement
Advocacy for a nonvindictive peace treaty and the creation of the League of Nations
Domestic Opposition:
Criticism of Wilson’s handling of foreign policy at home
Opposition from Republicans, nationalists, and anti-imperialists
Versailles Treaty and League of Nations:
Compromises made by Wilson at the Versailles Conference
Senate rejection of the Treaty of Versailles and U.S. membership in the League of Nations
Legacy of Wilsonianism:
U.S. elevation to great-power status and Wilsonian ideals shaping foreign policy
Scholarly debates on Wilson’s legacy, including praise for vision and leadership and critiques of perceived inconsistencies and failures