Session 5 : The US and the World 1917-1940 Flashcards
Events leading to US Entry into the WWI ?
Germany sinking ships of Lusitiana and a war against democracy by attacking Europe
Wilson Idealism ?
Aim to provide democracy
Wilson on governement ?
Advocated for a more intervention of the governement in economic affairs + governement of freedom
Wilson’s foreign policy views before his presidency ?
- America’s power is to “command the economic fortunes of the world.”
- Colonies must be obtained in order that no useful corner of the world may be overlooked
- International collabortaion to maintain peace + Prioritize economic interests over national sovereignty
What is the Lusitiana ship ?
Sinking ship of Lusitiana, reluctance of the US involvement despite the tragedy, no reactions from Wilson (1915)
Zimmerman Telegram ?
Secret alliance btw Germany and Mexico, if the US enter the war. If the central Powers win, Mexico would be free to annex the Territory of New-Mexico, Arizona and Texas = a major threat for its security/interest = Wilson declared War (1917)
Wilson Fourteen Points ?
He believed that they would establish world peace, ease tensions between countries and prevent another major war : Open Markets, Sovereignty, Promoting Democracy abroad, Collective Security Organisation to maintain peace (1918)
Versailles Conférences ?
Négociations btw allies, acknowledging Germany as responsible for the conflict : Military Army destrier and Colonies confiscated
he idea of the league of nations was discussed = a covenant for peace (1919)
Did the US Congress agree the idea of League of Nations ?
No, the US Congress was dominated by republicains and they feared that commiting the US to an expansive organisation will reduce its ability to defend its own interest. The Senate rejected the treaty.
What is the America 1st Committee ?
1940 - 1941
The Americans knew that they were the country n°1, possible to defend their own national interests. The committee was against the war. It’s not fully rationalism but an issue of neutrality, to which major Americans principles of the committee refers to “our destiny will not be tide by Europe.
Realism = we do not need Europe, do not seek any power. The committee was realist.
We will not intervene in European affairs but defend ourselves if someone comes too close to the US.
Main danger for the US: Losing democracy, the essence of America will be lost if we go to war.
What is 4 freedom of speech ?
1941 - FDR : freedom of speech, of want (economic needs must be fulfilled), religion and fear (reduction of arnaments)
What is the Atlantic Charter Meeting ?
August 1941 - Says the foundation of the United Nations
What is the Land Lease Act
March 1941 - The US must provide economic aid to Britain (special relationship between the US and Britain) in order to defend, without being directly involved in the conflict.
Trying to support the democracy and kind of staying away from the war.
Morals principles after the end of the war ?
- Reduction of armament, heavy weapons
- Right of poeple to choose their gouvernement
- Freedom of seas, to navigate
- Refusal of territorial expansion and respect of states and sovereignty
