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.
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The Preparedness movement gained momentum during World War I, particularly after the sinking of the RMS Lusitania in 1915
The sinking of the RMS Lusitania intensified anti-German sentiment in the United States
General Leonard Wood, former President Theodore Roosevelt, and ex-secretaries of war Elihu Root and Henry Stimson were key figures in the Preparedness movement
The Preparedness movement was rooted in a realist worldview that emphasized the importance of economic and military power
The movement proposed universal military training for young men to strengthen the nation's defense capabilities
The Preparedness movement criticized the National Guard for its perceived inefficiencies and politicization
The Democratic Party 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 Preparedness movement's initiatives
Despite warnings about the inadequacies of the U.S. military, the Democrats sought to limit military expenditures
Secretary of War Lindley Garrison's proposal for a federal reserve force and reduced role for the National Guard was met with widespread opposition
The Progressive movement's liberal wing suspected economic motives behind the push for increased military readiness
A compromise was eventually reached, resulting in modest increases in the Army and National Guard but not meeting the full demands of the Preparedness advocates
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Significance of RMS Lusitania sinking for Preparedness movement
Sinking in 1915 escalated anti-German sentiment, bolstering Preparedness advocacy for U.S. military readiness.
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Geographic stronghold of Preparedness movement
Movement had strong support in Eastern U.S. cities, influencing national defense policy.
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Socioeconomic backers of Preparedness movement
Bankers, industrialists, and elite society members funded and supported Preparedness, favoring internationalism and UK ties.
