Neutrality and WW1

• Who was elected as the first Democratic president in 20 years in 1912?


  Woodrow Wilson
• What were Woodrow Wilson's beliefs regarding foreign policy?


  He believed in liberalism and sought to reverse aggressive policies of his predecessors.
• What did Wilson announce in October 1913 regarding territorial expansion?


  The USA would never again seek an additional foot of territory by conquest.
• How did Wilson's actions in Latin America contradict his stated policies?


  His administration intervened militarily multiple times despite advocating for moral diplomacy.
• How many times did Wilson's administration intervene militarily in Honduras?


  Five times
• What was Wilson's stance during the Mexican Revolution?


  He sympathized with the liberal revolutionaries and opposed General Huerta's dictatorship.
• What significant military action did Wilson authorize in 1914?


  The bombardment of Vera Cruz
• What was the outcome of Wilson's intervention in the Mexican civil war?


  It upset both sides and led to further conflict.
• Who attacked an American border town, prompting Wilson to respond with a punitive expedition?

  Pancho Villa
• What was the result of the punitive expedition against Pancho Villa?


  It ended with little to show for the efforts and ruffled Mexican feelings.
• When did the Mexican civil war end?


  In 1917
• What was Wilson's position on neutrality at the outbreak of WWI in 1914?


  He announced that the USA would be neutral.
• How did American industry benefit from WWI?


  It received an enormous boost by supplying foodstuffs, raw materials, and munitions.
• How much in war loans did the USA lend to the warring powers by 1917?

  $2 billion
• Why did Germany protest against American loans to the Allies?


  They claimed it was not an act of neutrality.
• What type of blockade did Germany adopt in February 1915?


  A submarine blockade
• What was the significance of the sinking of the Lusitania?


  It resulted in the drowning of 1,198 people, including 128 Americans, and outraged the American public.
• How did Wilson's response to the Lusitania sinking evolve?


  He initially emphasized neutrality but later threatened to break off diplomatic relations with Germany.
• What did Wilson call for in his speech on 22 January 1917?


  A new international order based on a League of Nations, disarmament, and freedom of the seas.
• What was the outcome of Germany's resumption of unrestricted submarine warfare in January 1917?


  Wilson broke off diplomatic relations with Germany.
• What was the Zimmerman Telegram?


  A message suggesting a German-Mexican alliance against the USA.
• How did the American public react to the Zimmerman Telegram?


  It was seen as a violation of the Monroe Doctrine and a threat to US security.
• What was Wilson's claim when asking Congress for a declaration of war against Germany?


  “The world must be made safe for democracy.”
• How did American involvement affect the Allied cause in WWI?


  It brought fresh heart and sustained the Allies with supplies and financial support.
• How many US troops were in France by March 1918?


  300,000
• What was the Meuse-Argonne offensive?


  An offensive planned and executed by Pershing involving 1.2 million US soldiers.
• What was the significance of the American army's contributions in WWI?


  They convinced Germany it could not win the war in the long term.
• What did Wilson publish in January 1918?


  His Fourteen Points.
• What were the main principles of Wilson's Fourteen Points?


  Self-determination, disarmament, freedom of the seas, an end to secret diplomacy, and a League of Nations.
• How did the Allies respond to Wilson's Fourteen Points during the peace negotiations?


  They sought a more punitive peace requiring reparations and territorial annexations.
• What was Wilson's miscalculation before the peace negotiations?


  He did not seek support from Republicans controlling Congress.
• What was the outcome of Wilson's efforts in the peace treaty negotiations?


  The League of Nations was incorporated, but he had to compromise on reparations.
• What happened to Wilson's health in October 1919?


  He suffered an incapacitating stroke.
• Why did the treaty fail to get ratification in the Senate?

  Many politicians opposed the League of Nations and its implications for US sovereignty.
• What was the outcome of the American peace treaty with Germany?

  The USA never joined the League of Nations.
• What was the impact of Wilsonian internationalism after WWI?


  It ended with the failure to join the League of Nations and the Republicans' victory in the 1920 election.
• What are the main themes of US foreign policy from 1890 to 1920?

  • Theme 1: Imperialism
  • Theme 2: Latin America
  • Theme 3: Idealism
  • Theme 4: National Interests
  • Theme 5: Economic Power
  • Theme 6: Great Power Status
• What characterized the era of American imperialism from 1890 to 1920?


  Annexation of territories and expansion of influence in Latin America and the Pacific.
• How did the Monroe Doctrine relate to American imperialism?


  It exemplified America's anti-imperialist foundation despite later imperialistic actions.
• How did American business interests influence foreign policy in Latin America?


  They drove the demand for protection of overseas trade and intervention in the region.