¶ … America and the Great War" and "The New Era"
Brinkley, Alan. The Unfinished Nation. Vol. 2: A Concise History of the American People .4th Edition. McGraw-Hill 2004.
What were the causes of WWI in Europe in 1914? Why was President Wilson so reluctant for the U.S. To get involved until 1917 and what finally put the U.S. "over the edge" and decide to enter the conflict directly?
Nationalism, imperialism, and secret treaties all played a role in the instigation of WWI in Europe, but President Wilson was initially reluctant to become involved, because of a long history of American isolationism in regards to entangling European affairs, particularly the secret alliances that stimulated the conflict. His refusal to involve the U.S. In WWI became a crucial part of his re-election campaign. But President Wilson began to protest German violations of American neutrality more vehemently in his public rhetoric than British violations, partly because of the American's greater sympathy for British ideology of democracy and the Allies war cause, as well as Britain's profitable exchange of arms with America. The final sinking of the Lusitania that took American lives propelled the U.S. into the conflict, with increased public support.
What part did technology play in the horrible amount of death and casualties in WWI? What evidence supports the claim that in WWI, navies had become the most modern part of military warfare?
The misuse of the new military technology of machine guns resulted in the abuses of trench warfare and the deaths of millions of young men. The incompetence...
Earlier diplomatic intervention before the conflict broke out in Europe, or greater neutrality may have prevented the need for such direct involvement, but things had gone too far.
What part did European imperialism play in the reasons for the start of WWI?
Without the colonial conflicts between the European powers, and the secret treaties used to instill security, and the breakup of the Ottoman Empire, the forces of imperialism exacerbated the tensions that gave rise to the European conflict.
How did WWI affect African-Americans and race relations?
African-Americans were empowered by their valorous participation in the war, but African-Americans were also angered by the ideology of a world being…
