How Did World War 1 Change American Foreign Policy

Jasmine S. Phillips
Once the 20th century began, the United States had become very active with foreign policy, mostly involving Asia and those in the Western Hemisphere. This occurred after the period of progressivism and the after thoughts of responsibility to promote morality came to rise. The United states had grown economically and began to be more involved in public affairs, which led to the involvement of the United states in world War I. Roosevelt expanded the Monroe doctrine and coined the phrase “speak softly and carry a ‘big stick’” at the time, referring to the war. This means to keep quiet about your plans, but to come aggressive during a time of war. At this time, the United States began to secure its position as a world power.
Under Theodore Roosevelt, the United states had adapted the idea that it was their responsibility to maintain and improve the values and morality of the World, which led to the rise of foreign policy. William Taft followed Roosevelt’s presidency, and believed in a dollar diplomacy that would use the United States economic power to increase influence internationally. Then, Woodrow Wilson worked to expand economy and Christianity internationally.
World War I changed American life in many ways and lasted for years.
During this war, the central powers consisted of Germany, Italy, and Austria-Hungary. These countries fought against the allied powers Russia, Great Britain, and France. Once the war began, President Woodrow Wilson declared that the United States would be neutral until Germany sank the Lusitania. Wilson wanted to restrict marine warfare, but when this request was denied, he declared war. Many Americans changes their opposition of the war, and began to pull together. Even though minorities and women played a role in supporting the U.S. during the war, they were often mistreated, despite their work. Ultimately, World War I brought about social and economic change and led to the United States becoming a global power, even though the population still struggled with problems regarding racism and extreme
patriotism.
The Twenties was a time in America’s history that brought about great change. Media restructured the culture in the twenties, affecting the way the masses spoke, dressed, and interacted. Sources such as movies, radio, and newspaper all played a role in this. Advertising had also taken a turn and became more advanced and played onto the behavior of Americans to sell products. Recording of music also impacted culture and jazz artists such as Louis Armstrong made jazz mainstream and represented America’s music. Movies also became something that influenced America’s culture. The United States population was also infatuated with the lifestyle of those in Hollywood, which was much different from the eastern states. The movies produce in Hollywood were appealing because they portrayed lifestyle of wealth and leisure. Strangely, average people could relate to these movies, although they may not have had these luxuries themselves. This had a major impact on the shift of values Americans had.
The twenties also brought about the age of the automobile.
Henry Ford, also used mass-production techniques to make cars cheaper, making the Cars accessible to many Americans. Now, people were also dealing with the effects of post-war, which would eventually lead to the Depression. There was a second industrial Revolution where efficiency had improved many had begun using the method of mass production and assembly lines. This also began businesses increasing advertisement and working overseas. To decrease the impact of unions that had been formed during the time of war, many large corporations began to implement programs that were to improve the welfare and drive of workers. These programs also offered workers insurance polies, that we now have today. The increase of the number of citizens with cars, avertedly, made many Americans move to the suburbs. In contrast, many African Americans began to move to large cities such as New York, Detroit, and Chicago to for job opportunities. African Americans also moved to Harlem, where much of black culture originated. Major Influencers such as Marcus Garvey and Langston Hughes pushed for black unity and
culture.
To conclude, America grew largely in its suburbs and its cities produced arts that affected the lives of citizens economically, politically, and culturally. Although the majority could benefit from the innovations of this time, many minorities and women still suffered to establish themselves in the United States.