The Changing Political Environment, 1917-198
, Woodrow Wilson 1913-1921
When war broke out, Wilson committed that America would stay out of the war. However, months af
election in 1916, the USA entered the war on the side of the allies and committed millions of soldiers
western front. Impacts of war:
A major cause of the US entry into
the FWW was the unrestricted - Generated demands for
submarine warfare undertaken by to normalcy.
In early 1917, the British intercepted a
telegram sent by German foreign the Germans. This put huge pressure - Led to increasingly un
minister, Arthur Zimmermann. It revealed on the President to act. federal government inter
that in exchange for Mexican support, - Contributed to the 1st r
Germany had offered to help Mexico - Contributed to the r
reconquer New Mexico, Texas and Why did the Republicanism.
Arizona. - Led to a debate over ho
USA enter involvement the USA sho
the war? in other nations
The USA was already assisting the
allies via weapons and resources. Paying for the war:
Joining them was the next logical • Liberty bonds – citizen
Since 1914, the USA had loaned
step to save 'freedom' and their money and earn
billions to the allies. The only
'democracy'. • Introduced income tax
way to ensure this was re-paid
was to ensure an allied victory. amendment ratified in
, Impacts of war:
Social:
• Espionage Act 1917 & Sedition Act 1918 – limited personal freedoms as it was illegal to criticize the war effor
military recruitment.
• Prohibition – banned the sale of alcohol as it was seen as a threat to the war effort and workforce.
• Distrust of foreign people - The war encouraged the anti-immigration movement and strengthened the intole
foreigners.
• Enfranchisement of Women - August 1920, 19th amendment extending the right to vote to women.
Political:
• Strengthened the power of the Federal Government – Raised and spent more money, railways placed under
control and modernised.
• Fuel Administration - set limits on the prices of oil and coal.
• National War Labor Board - Worked closely with the unions, secured improvements in wages and hours.
Economic:
• Exports from the USA rose – industrial production rose by 39% from 1916 to 1918.
• Unemployment was virtually non-existent - real wages increased.
• Farmers exports increased - 300% food export to Europe increase as well as food prices doubling.
• USA shifted to a creditor nation – lending billions of $ to European allies.
• Immediate post-war economic slow down – cancellation of wartime contracts, ¼ of workers striking in 1919,
, Woodrow Wilson 1913-1921
When war broke out, Wilson committed that America would stay out of the war. However, months af
election in 1916, the USA entered the war on the side of the allies and committed millions of soldiers
western front. Impacts of war:
A major cause of the US entry into
the FWW was the unrestricted - Generated demands for
submarine warfare undertaken by to normalcy.
In early 1917, the British intercepted a
telegram sent by German foreign the Germans. This put huge pressure - Led to increasingly un
minister, Arthur Zimmermann. It revealed on the President to act. federal government inter
that in exchange for Mexican support, - Contributed to the 1st r
Germany had offered to help Mexico - Contributed to the r
reconquer New Mexico, Texas and Why did the Republicanism.
Arizona. - Led to a debate over ho
USA enter involvement the USA sho
the war? in other nations
The USA was already assisting the
allies via weapons and resources. Paying for the war:
Joining them was the next logical • Liberty bonds – citizen
Since 1914, the USA had loaned
step to save 'freedom' and their money and earn
billions to the allies. The only
'democracy'. • Introduced income tax
way to ensure this was re-paid
was to ensure an allied victory. amendment ratified in
, Impacts of war:
Social:
• Espionage Act 1917 & Sedition Act 1918 – limited personal freedoms as it was illegal to criticize the war effor
military recruitment.
• Prohibition – banned the sale of alcohol as it was seen as a threat to the war effort and workforce.
• Distrust of foreign people - The war encouraged the anti-immigration movement and strengthened the intole
foreigners.
• Enfranchisement of Women - August 1920, 19th amendment extending the right to vote to women.
Political:
• Strengthened the power of the Federal Government – Raised and spent more money, railways placed under
control and modernised.
• Fuel Administration - set limits on the prices of oil and coal.
• National War Labor Board - Worked closely with the unions, secured improvements in wages and hours.
Economic:
• Exports from the USA rose – industrial production rose by 39% from 1916 to 1918.
• Unemployment was virtually non-existent - real wages increased.
• Farmers exports increased - 300% food export to Europe increase as well as food prices doubling.
• USA shifted to a creditor nation – lending billions of $ to European allies.
• Immediate post-war economic slow down – cancellation of wartime contracts, ¼ of workers striking in 1919,
