Immigration Following World War I (Part One)
Professor of history Gary Gerstle explains that after World War I, "...the country pretty much decided, not right away, but pretty quickly, that it could not take any more foreigners." The only immigrants welcomed from that point forward were certai...
Racial Politics and War
Professor of American studies and history Matthew Frye Jacobson talks about the evolution of attitudes towards African-Americans in the United States, as well as the growth of the civil rights movement. Professor Jacobson links both in part to chang...
Loyalty and Patriotism Following Both World Wars
Professor of history Gary Gerstle talks about the mood of the United States following World Wars I and II. In both instances, there was what Professor Gerstle calls an "...ideological intensity expressing itself in demands for patriotism (and) loyal...
Road to War, The: Organizing the Economy for War
The American Government and Politicsencourages the industrial economy to support the "Great War". With the supply demands high and more men being drafted into war, African Americans soon migrate to the northern states for work. The war effort also f...
Road to War, The: United States Enters War and Initiates Draft, The
President Wilson asks Congress for declaration of war on April 2, 1917. The United States transforms itself into a society capable of waging total war in 18 months. Wilson and Congress agree to institute a national draft. African Americans see advan...
Road to War, The: Wilson's Neutrality
Across the Atlantic, Americans look with horror at the carnage in Europe. Wilson believes that it was the system of secret alliances that led to the war, and that all of the participants are equally responsible. As the war becomes more brutal, publi...
Road to War, The: Germany's Aggressive Submarine Warfare Tests U. S. Neutrality
Economic realities in the second year of World War I make it difficult for the United States to maintain its neutrality. Roosevelt encourages the U. S. to enter the war on side of allies, a minority opinion. In the election of 1916, Republican candi...
Road to War, The: Collapse of European Peace, The
By August 1914 Germany has declared war on Russia and France and invades Belgium in preparation for an attack on France. Its strategy is to knock France out of the war before tackling Russia, the more serious threat. Most observers predict the war w...
Road to War, The: Germany's Major Strategies, 1917
Germany redoubles its efforts to win the war before American forces have an impact. In 1917 Germany takes three risks in an attempt to accomplish its goal. It resumes unconditional submarine warfare to halt shipping, sends Lenin back to Russia to st...
America on the Eve of World War I
Professor of history Gary Gerstle explains that the United States was very divided over whether to enter World War I. "There was a strong socialist movement and anarchist movement in American society," Professor Gerstle says. "They were opposed to t...