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Woodrow Wilson's Idealism and the Failure of US Foreign Policy

Explore Woodrow Wilson’s idealistic vision entering WWI, the US refusal to ratify the Versailles Treaty, and its impact on foreign policy. Analyze quotes, cartoons, and debates on collective security and isolationism.

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Woodrow Wilson's Idealism and the Failure of US Foreign Policy

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  1. The End of WWI: Woodrow Wilson, the Failure of the US to Ratify the Versailles Treaty and the Impact on US Foreign Policy • Look at each slide carefully. • Discuss the question/s with partners.

  2. Quotes from Woodrow Wilson as the US Enters WWI: “I will not cry ‘peace’ as long as there is wrong in the world … America was born to exemplify the devotion to righteousness which is derived from the Holy scriptures” “Our foreign policy must be concerned with human rights rather than property rights. The force of America is that of moral principle.” “America’s mission has always been to realize an ideal of liberty, provide a model of democracy and moral principle for the world, uphold the rights of all men … lead the thinking of the world and promote peace.” “We must fight a war to end all wars and make the world safe for democracy.” #1: How do the quotes illustrate Wilson’s “Idealism” as the US enters WWI in 1917?

  3. Wilson #2: Both cartoons are drawn following the end of World War I during the Treaty of Versailles negotiations in 1919. Which of the cartoons would Wilson have agreed with? Why?

  4. Wilson #3: Explain how the cartoon illustrates “isolationist” feelings in the US at the end of WWI.

  5. #4: This cartoon was drawn after Wilson returned from the lengthy Versailles Treaty negotiations in 1919. What problems does Wilson face upon returning to the US? Why might this be?

  6. Article X of the League of Nations Covenant The Members of the league shall undertake to respect and preserve against external aggression the territorial integrity and political independence of all Members of the League. In case of any such aggression or threat of aggression, the League shall have an obligation to advise how peace shall be maintained … Any war or threat of war affecting any member of the League is a concern to the whole League, the League shall take action to safe guard the peace of nations … if arbitration by the League in case of aggression is not successful, military intervention may be necessary under the control of the League Council. #5: This controversial section of the Treaty of Versailles illustrates the concept of “collective security”. Why would Wilson support this concept?

  7. Senator William Borah – Conservative Republican in reaction to the League of Nations & Article X: The first proposition connected with the proposed League is that of a tribunal to settle matters of controversy that may arise between nations … Would anyone support that matters of vital importance to the American people be submitted to such a tribunal created by other than our own people? I doubt if anyone would advocate this. #6: Based on these statements, why would Senator Borah oppose Wilson’s belief in “collective security”?

  8. #7: Would Wilson or Borah agree with this cartoon? Why?

  9. Wilson on his national speech tour: This election is to be a national referendum … The chief question that is put to you, of course, is do you approve of the League of nations as organized and empowered by that covenants of that Treaty? Do you wish to see the United States play its responsible part in the world? Our founding fathers thought America to be the light of the world and a leader in the assertion of the rights of peoples and free nations … This light the opponents of the League would squelch. Route of Wilson’s Pro League of Nations Speech Tour - 1920 #8: How does Wilson’s approach to attempting to gain support for the ratification of the Treaty of Versailles in 1920 show his “Progressive idealism”?

  10. #9: What do the cartoon and quote tell you about the results of the Treaty of Versailles ratification debate in 1920? Wilson: “I will not play for position (compromise) … Let Lodge (leader of Senate Republican opposition) compromise … Let Lodge hold out the olive branch … I will stand squarely behind the League covenants and I can stand defeat. I cannot stand to retreat from conscientious duty”

  11. #10: What does the graphic reveal about the effectiveness of the Treaty of Versailles (League of Nations) in maintaining world peace in the 1920’s and 1930’s?

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