Chapter 10: Expansionism and World War I

Chapter 10 examines how expansionism and the growth of the United States as a world power shaped attitudes and actions before, during, and after World War I.

Section 1 traces the actions and attitudes that transformed the United States into a world power. By 1900, economics compelled the United States to expand overseas, and the nation prepared to defend its rights to those markets. Roosevelt's Big Stick policy guided the United States to build the strategic Panama Canal and warned outside countries not to threaten countries in the Western Hemisphere. Taft's milder Dollar Diplomacy program was designed to boost United States influence in the hemisphere by promoting economic activity in Central America. On the other side of the world, the nation became involved with affairs in China, Japan, and the Philippines.

Section 2 details the events that preceded World War I and the efforts of the United States to stay neutral. The delicate system of alliances in Europe was disturbed with the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand. President Wilson struggled to maintain neutrality as the Allies and the Central Powers plunged into World War I. The submarines, aircraft, and weapons of World War I inflicted greater loss of life and property than had occurred during any previous war. As the Allies suffered major losses, they looked to the United States for support. After Germany sank U.S. ships and solicited Mexico for support, Wilson declared war on Germany on April 2, 1917.

Section 3 describes how Americans fought the war overseas and at home. The United States prepared for war by raising taxes, selling liberty bonds, and initiating conscription. The Allies welcomed the relief that the American Expeditionary Force (A.E.F.) offered. While soldiers fought the war overseas, war propaganda urged Americans at home to unite, conform, and cooperate in the war effort. Families, corporations, and labor unions responded. In their zeal to promote support for the war, legislators enacted laws that severely trimmed citizens' civil liberties.

Section 4 reviews the efforts of President Wilson and other leaders in restructuring world power after World War I. In January 1919, Wilson met with leaders from Great Britain, France, and Italy at the Paris Peace Conference. After months of difficult negotiations, the Allies and Germany signed the Treaty of Versailles. Wilson was anxious to win Senate approval of the Treaty and his plan for a League of Nations—an international body that would prevent future wars. When Wilson returned to the United States, however, he suffered a stroke, and the Senate rejected both the Treaty and his League of Nations.