Chapter 30: The War to End War 1917-1918

Question 1

1. What were the ideological results of Wilson’s proclamation of World War I as a war to end all wars and a war to make the world safe for democracy?

Answer 1

Wilson’s war proclamation affected the old American ideal of isolationism. Previously Americans took pride in their avoidance of violence and intervention with other countries, but Wilson persuaded Americans to give up this ideal in exchange for another cherished value: democracy. Wilson said that it was necessary to join the War “to make the world safe for democracy.” He believed that the world would not be able to afford “a war to end all wars,” and this battle cry worked extremely well, rallying many Americans to the cause on the basis of moral ideals such as democracy.

Question 2

2. Was the Treaty of Versailles a violation of Wilson’s high wartime ideals or the best that could have 
been achieved under the circumstances?

Answer 2

While the Treaty of Versailles did completely ignore many of Wilson’s fourteen points, it did not violate his wartime ideals. On the other hand, it was not the best treaty that could have been achieved under those circumstances. The treaty punished Germany and the Central powers, causing future tension, instead of helping them to recover. Also, as the losers, they had no say in the terms of the treaty. The treaty was meant to engineer peace, but instead fostered a bitterness that would lead to yet another World War.

Question 3

3. What was the fundamental reason America failed to join the League of Nations?

Answer 3

America was divided over the League of Nations, and many voiced great concerns over it in the senate. The fundamental reason for not joining the League of Nations was isolationism. Americans continued to hold on to the old ideal, which contrasted greatly with the idea of a League of Nations. A League of Nations would require the country to aid other members of the League, and could draw them into more European conflicts. After fighting such a large scale war and seeing so much destruction, Americans were not in the mood to fight another one.