The Emergence of the Preparedness Movement in the United States
The Preparedness movement in the U.S., gaining traction after the Lusitania sinking in 1915, pushed for military enhancement in anticipation of WWI. Key figures like Theodore Roosevelt and General Leonard Wood led the charge, advocating for universal military training and stronger defense capabilities. Despite Democratic resistance and public skepticism, the movement influenced national defense policy and contributed to America's eventual entry into the war in 1917.
See moreThe Emergence of the Preparedness Movement in the United States
The Preparedness movement in the United States gained momentum as World War I unfolded, particularly after the sinking of the RMS Lusitania in 1915, which intensified anti-German sentiment. This movement, which was especially strong in Eastern cities, advocated for the immediate enhancement of the nation's military capabilities in anticipation of potential involvement in the conflict. Prominent figures such as General Leonard Wood, former President Theodore Roosevelt, and ex-secretaries of war Elihu Root and Henry Stimson were at the forefront of this movement. Supported by influential bankers, industrialists, and other elite members of society, they formed a foreign policy group that favored closer ties with Britain and a more internationalist approach to foreign affairs.The Principles and Promotion of Military Preparedness
The Preparedness movement was rooted in a realist worldview that emphasized the importance of economic and military power. Its advocates pointed out the relative weakness of the U.S. military, especially when compared to the formidable German army, and proposed universal military training (UMT) for young men to bolster the nation's defense capabilities. Despite their efforts, the movement faced significant public resistance to such extensive militarization. Additionally, the movement criticized the National Guard for its perceived inefficiencies and politicization, although the Guard was an important institution in some northern states for integrating African American men.Democratic Resistance to the Preparedness Movement
The Democratic Party, which controlled Congress and the presidency under Woodrow Wilson, viewed the Preparedness movement with suspicion, seeing it as a potential Republican political advantage. The Democrats, who favored localism and the National Guard, opposed the movement's initiatives. Despite military leaders' warnings about the inadequacies of the U.S. military, the Democrats sought to limit military expenditures. However, the Preparedness movement gained traction following the Lusitania incident, which led to increased military spending and a commitment to a long-term naval expansion program.National Discourse and Compromise on Military Preparedness
The national debate over military preparedness reached a climax with Secretary of War Lindley Garrison's controversial proposal for a federal reserve force and a reduced role for the National Guard. This proposal was met with widespread opposition, including from the Progressive movement's liberal wing, which suspected economic motives behind the push for increased military readiness. President Wilson, facing this opposition, appointed Newton Baker, a known critic of preparedness, as Garrison's successor. A compromise was eventually reached in May 1916, which allowed for modest increases in the Army and National Guard but did not meet the full demands of the Preparedness advocates, leaving the U.S. military less robust than they had hoped.America's Entry into World War I
Despite the Preparedness movement's influence, the United States remained largely uninvolved in World War I's combat until 1917. The resumption of unrestricted submarine warfare by Germany and the revelation of the Zimmermann Telegram, which suggested a German-Mexican alliance against the United States, shifted American public opinion. These events, coupled with the sinking of American merchant ships, compelled President Wilson to request a declaration of war from Congress, which was granted on April 6, 1917. The U.S. also recognized the Russian Provisional Government and saw the war as an opportunity to shape the post-war international order, in line with Wilson's vision for America's role in the world.Mobilization of the American Home Front During World War I
The American home front experienced an extensive mobilization to support the war effort, including the production of soldiers, food, munitions, and finances. Agencies such as the United States Food Administration, led by Herbert Hoover, encouraged food conservation and the cultivation of victory gardens. The government raised funds through increased taxes and war bond campaigns, generating significant revenue. The labor movement, represented by the American Federation of Labor, supported the war by minimizing strikes and advocating for arbitration, which led to wage increases due to high employment levels. The establishment of the National War Labor Board helped mediate labor disputes, and the AFL's participation in the Council of National Defense influenced wartime labor policy.Want to create maps from your material?
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1
Significance of RMS Lusitania sinking for Preparedness movement
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2
Geographic stronghold of Preparedness movement
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3
Socioeconomic backers of Preparedness movement
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4
The ______ movement believed in the significance of economic and military might.
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5
Advocates of this movement highlighted the U.S. military's weakness compared to the ______ army.
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6
To strengthen the nation's defense, the movement suggested ______ for young men.
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7
Despite advocacy, the movement encountered public opposition against ______.
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8
The movement also criticized the National Guard for inefficiencies and ______.
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9
In some northern states, the National Guard was key for integrating ______ into the institution.
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10
Preparedness movement suspicion reason
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11
Democrats' military policy preference
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Favored localism and the National Guard over federal military expansion.
12
Impact of Lusitania incident on Preparedness
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Increased military spending and commitment to naval expansion program.
13
The debate on ______ preparedness peaked with a proposal by Secretary of War ______ Garrison for a federal reserve force.
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military Lindley
14
The proposal for a federal reserve force faced strong resistance, particularly from the ______ movement's liberal faction.
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Progressive
15
In response to the opposition, President ______ appointed ______ Baker, an opponent of military preparedness, as Garrison's replacement.
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Wilson Newton
16
The compromise left the ______ military not as strong as Preparedness proponents had desired.
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17
Significance of Zimmermann Telegram
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18
Impact of unrestricted submarine warfare on U.S.
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19
U.S. recognition of Russian Provisional Government
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20
Herbert Hoover headed the ______, promoting food saving and the growth of victory gardens.
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21
To finance the war, the U.S. government increased ______ and launched ______ campaigns.
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22
The ______, by reducing strikes and pushing for arbitration, played a key role in supporting the war.
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23
The ______ was instrumental in resolving labor conflicts during the war.
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24
The AFL's role in the ______ significantly impacted labor policies during wartime.
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