Woodrow Wilson 1913-21

Question 1

What was the USA like in 1916?

Answer 1

Leading industrial nation = produced/consumed 70% oil, coal/steel
Supplied world with 30% wheat, 75% corn

Wealthy but not equal = low wages, small farms suffering, large corp, high borrowing cost

Question 2

What does laissez faire mean?

Answer 2

Hands off - govt not involved (Republican)

Question 3

What was the USA like immediately before WW1?

Answer 3

Economic superpower = large amount of wealth + industry

Question 4

What was the significance of Wilson’s “The New Freedom Programme”?

Answer 4

1. Attack triple wall of privilege = tariff, banks, trusts.
2. Limited working day, finance for smaller farms, progressive tax, regulate large corp
3. Racial segregation still existed + no welfare

Question 5

What events triggered the US intervention in WW1?

Answer 5

RMS Lusitania sunk 7th may 1915 = 128 Americans drowned
Zimmerman telegram - Mexico as ally against USA
April 6 - Congress declared war, 2 senators 50 Reps

Question 6

Why was Wilson unpopular?

Answer 6

Believed he had too much power in decision making, unwelcome change in presidential power (close to breaking separation of powers)

Question 7

How did Wilson’s failures help the Republicans?

Answer 7

1. Americans felt involvement in war had been mistake
2. Didn’t like way Wilson tried to involve US in international affairs after war - Leauge of Nations, didn’t consult Congress
3. Drafted bills + introduced to Congress himself
4. Leader of Democrats in House seen as speaking for President