Standard 4F

I can analyze major issues raised by U.S. involvement in World War I, including isolationism, neutrality, Woodrow Wilson's Fourteen Points, and the Treaty of Versailles.

Neutrality

Woodrow Wilson enacted policies that kept the United States Neutral and Isolated from Europe at the beginning of World War I. The United States did not want to take a side during the war.

Selective Service Act

This act gave the United States government the right to raise an army by drafting civilians to become soldiers. Passed in 1917, this act contradicted the policy of neutrality because it prepared the U.S. for war.

Wilson's 14 Points

Wilson believed that cooperation among international leaders was essential to maintain world power. These points were Wilson's guide to a lasting world peace after World War I

5 Important Points

- - No secret treaties among nations
  - Freedom of the seas should be maintained by all.
  - Tariffs and economic barriers lowered to foster free trade
  - Arms reduction
  - Rights of colonial peoples and the interests of imperialist powers
  - The Fourteenth point called for the creation of the League of Nations. It would provide a forum for nations to discuss and settle grievances without resulting in war.

Isolationism

Fearing that joining the League of Nations would bring the United States into another war, the U.S. does not rejects League of Nations membership and reverts to isolationism. The U.S. wants to stay out of other nations' problems.

Treaty Of Versailles

The Treaty that brought an end to World War I. Germany took the blame for the war and was forced to pay reparations (money). It also created the League of Nations. The Treaty of Versailles was never ratified or signed by the United States because it feared that it would remove them from the idea of neutrality and isolationism.

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