President Woodrow Wilson's war message to joint session of Congress, 2 April 1917. The New York Times. Background on Wilson:
Today we will spend some time with primary and secondary sources aimed at examining the outbreak of the war and the U.S. decision to participate in the war. How did WWI begin? Read the selection below from this article in The Week (external link). As you read the passage, consider:
Wilson: For and Against Entry
As you read each passage, consider:
Document A: President Woodrow Wilson, in a speech before Congress, August 19, 1914. The people of the United States are drawn from many nations, and chiefly from the nations now at war. It is natural and inevitable that some will wish one nation, others another, to succeed in the momentous struggle. Such divisions among us would be fatal to our peace of mind and might seriously stand in the way of our duty as the one great nation at peace, the one nation ready to play a part of mediator and counselor of peace. The United States must be neutral in fact, as well as in name, during these days that are to try men's souls. We must be impartial in thought, as well as action. Document B: President Woodrow Wilson, in a speech before Congress, April 2, 1917. Property can be paid for; the lives of peaceful and innocent people cannot be. The present German submarine warfare against commerce is a warfare against mankind. The German policy has swept every restriction aside. Ships of every kind, whatever their flag, their character, their cargo, their destination, their errand, have been ruthlessly sent to the bottom of the ocean without warning. American ships have been sunk, American lives taken. I advise that the Congress declare the recent actions of the Imperial German Government to be, in fact, nothing less than war against the Government and people of the United States. Neutrality is no longer feasible or desirable where the peace of the world is involved. The world must be made safe for democracy. We have no selfish ends to serve. We desire no conquest, no dominion. We seek not material compensation for the sacrifices we shall freely make. We are but one of the champions of the rights of mankind. It is a fearful, but right thing to lead this great peaceful people to war. We shall fight for the things which we have always carried nearest our hearts – for democracy, for the right of [people] to have a voice in their own government, for the rights and liberties of small nations. Homework: Assignment #605 Comments are closed.
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