7. The U.S. in World War I Flashcards
Farewell Address
1796
It was George Washington’s announcement about his decision not to seek a third term of his presidency. In his valedictory address, he emphasized the importance of national unity and the potential threats of foreign entanglements. He perceived both foreign influence and freshly emerging parties as forces that could compromise the republican frameworks of the U.S. government. Thus, promoting against permanent foreign alliances, he introduced the precursory notion of isolationism.
Monroe Doctrine
1823
President James Monroe’s message to the Congress cautioned against European interference in the Western Hemisphere, as European intervention posed threats on American interests. The doctrine established a policy of regionalism and isolationism from European affairs.
Big Stick Policy and Gunboat Diplomacy
1903
Theodore Roosevelt established a new foreign policy, based on an African proverb, saying “speak softly, and carry a big stick, and you will go far”. Thus, the new foreign policy carried a subtle threat, favoring diplomatic solutions, however, maintaining strong naval and military support, in case diplomacy would not be enough by itself.
idealism vs realpolitik
tension between Wilson’s idealism and realpolitik shaped the debate, with Wilson initially championing peace but later justifying war as a means to ensure global democracy and prevent future conflicts.
realpolitik: based on pragmatics rather than ideology and sentiments
aka moralism vs pragmatism
“yellow peril”
Western fears of East Asian expansion
casus belli
an act or situation that provokes or justifies a war.
Unilateralism
Unilateralism is the policy of a nation acting independently and pursuing its own objectives without formal alliances or binding commitments. The United States entered the war not as one of the Allies but as an “Associate” power, which reflected its preference for unilateral action.
Unilateral Entry
- Definition: Unilateralism is the policy of a nation acting independently and pursuing its own objectives without formal alliances or binding commitments. The United States entered the war not as one of the Allies but as an “Associate” power, which reflected its preference for unilateral action.
- The U.S. entered the war on its own terms, not as a formal member of the Allies but as an “Associate” power, retaining its own objectives. This move reflected a long-standing American preference for unilateralism.
- Wilson believed the US should fight on its own terms and for its own objectives, not as a subordinate member of an alliance
Unilateralism is tied to ….? And what does that mean?
- Unilateralism is also tied to American exceptionalism, the belief that the United States is unique and should not be bound by the same rules and constraints as other nations.
o This included a belief that the US had a duty to civilize the world but also that it had to maintain its distance from the world. - Post-War Implications: Even after the war, the U.S. maintained a degree of distance from its former allies, reflected in the Senate’s rejection of the Treaty of Versailles and the League of Nations. This was partly due to Americans’ disappointment with the outcome of the war and the sense that the US did not gain much from the conflict.
their army’s name and arrival to EU
The American Expeditionary Force (AEF) arrived in Europe in 1917, with large numbers arriving by spring of 1918.
liberal internationalism
o Wilson’s vision was rooted in “liberal internationalism,” which saw the world as interdependent and called for great powers to uphold a peaceful and prosperous world order.
George Washington’s Farewell Address
1796: George Washington’s Farewell Address emphasizes national unity and warns against foreign entanglements, laying the groundwork for isolationist ideology.
Monroe Doctrine
1823: The Monroe Doctrine is established, cautioning against European interference in the Western Hemisphere, reinforcing regionalism and isolationism.
Spanish-American War
1898: The Spanish-American War demonstrates U.S. imperial ambitions, leading to the acquisition of territories like the Philippines and Puerto Rico.
“Big Stick Policy” and “Gunboat Diplomacy”
1903: Theodore Roosevelt establishes the “Big Stick Policy” and “Gunboat Diplomacy”, advocating for an assertive U.S. role in global affairs.
