American Isolationism and the Origins of War in Europe

ASU HST 200 (Historical Themes) The Great War America 1914–1919 American Isolationism and the Origins of War in Europe President Woodrow Wilson had intended to reduce American influence abroad, in contrast to his immediate predecessors. According to him, the country should only become involved in foreign affairs when it is morally required to do so. However, Wilson found it more and more difficult to maintain that America had no responsibility for the battle escalating abroad as the political situation in Europe grew catastrophic. Most observers viewed Germany's war actions as immoral and dangerous for American free commerce with the Entente. Wilson was only able to delay American engagement in the war, despite diplomatic efforts and campaign pledges. After taking office, President Woodrow Wilson changed the direction of American foreign policy from that of his more aggressive predecessors. Wilson expressed the opinion that the US should only get involved in international conflicts when it is ethically required to do so. But Wilson found it harder and harder to keep America out of the war as the political climate in Europe worsened and the Great War intensified. Many people believed that the terrible events taking place in Europe, especially Germany's involvement in the war, were not only unethical but also harmful to American interests, especially when it came to unrestricted trade with the Entente states. Wilson found it more and more difficult to maintain neutrality despite his attempts to keep the US out of the war. There was only so much that diplomatic moves and campaign pledges could do to postpone US involvement in the conflict. Wilson was finally compelled to reevaluate America's involvement in the global battle because to the increasing demands from both the home and foreign fronts. Wilson's idea of a more moderate foreign policy stemmed from his conviction that domestic issues should take precedence in the United States. Prioritizing matters like social justice, economic change, and democratic government inside US boundaries was something he attempted to do. But Wilson's utopian view of US foreign policy was seriously challenged by the growing crisis in Europe. Europe was engulfed in anarchy and turbulence when the Great War broke out in 1914, stoked by rival alliances and imperial aspirations. Wilson was under increasing pressure to act on behalf of the Allies as the war dragged on, especially as news of German aggressiveness and atrocities spread via American media. Wilson stuck to his neutral stance in the face of mounting calls for American involvement, thinking that the US could act as a peacemaker rather than take sides in the dispute. In an attempt to force the warring parties to seek a negotiated settlement, he adopted a strategy of "watchful waiting," expecting that diplomatic efforts and economic pressure would finally prevail. But as the war carried on and American interests were threatened, remaining neutrality proved to be a more and more unsustainable stance. The 1915 sinking of the RMS Lusitania, which claimed American lives, incited popular indignation and heightened demands for American intervention. Wilson refrained from declaring war in response, but he did issue forceful diplomatic objections and demands that Germany take responsibility. Even though Wilson tried to stay out of European politics, he understood that America had to make its presence known on the international scene. He took the crucial choice in 1917 to request a war declaration against Germany from Congress, arguing that the globe needed to be made "safe for democracy." The United States' admission into the Great War was a pivotal moment that helped tip the scales in favor of the Allies and eventually led to their victory in 1918. Wilson's choice to join the conflict wasn't without criticism. Critics said he gave up on his neutrality beliefs and gave in to pressure from those who supported going to war. Wilson, however, stood by his choice, arguing that it was essential to protect American interests and preserve the values of democracy and freedom. Wilson emerged as a pivotal actor in forming the post-war international order following the Great War. He was a key player in the discussions that resulted in the Treaty of Versailles, which placed severe restrictions on Germany and established the framework for the League of Nations, an international body tasked with averting further hostilities. Wilson believed that American leadership on the international scene was morally required, and this conviction was represented in his vision of a world order centered on collective security and international cooperation. But in the end, his attempts to get the Senate to ratify the Treaty of Versailles and admit the United States to the League of Nations were unsuccessful, underscoring the difficulties in converting lofty ideals into useful guidelines. In hindsight, Wilson's administration during World War I perfectly captured the inconsistencies and ambiguities of US foreign policy. He was forced to face the boundaries of American strength and influence as a result of his dedication to neutrality colliding with the realities of a globe ripped apart by violence. Nonetheless, Wilson's idea of a global order founded on the ideas of democracy and collective security is still relevant today and serves as a reminder of the ongoing significance of US leadership in a world growing more linked by the day.