Historical Essay 2: America And The Great War The Assassinat ✓ Solved

Historical Essay 2 America And The Great Warthe Assassination Of Arc

Analyze how the forces of nationalism, imperialism, and militarism irrevocably led to World War I. Pay particular attention to the rise of Pan-Slavism in Eastern Europe and the corresponding rise of nationalism in German-speaking states.

Analyze how the alliance system contributed to the ultimate outbreak of war. Then analyze the events that drew the United States into World War I. Clearly discuss why America first remained neutral between. What role did ethnicity play in America’s neutrality? Then identify and analyze the specific events that led to America’s entrance into the war.

Evaluate America’s contribution to the war effort and to what extent America’s entry contributed to the end of the war. Finally, analyze the events that led to the defeat of the Treaty of Versailles. What effect did this have on America’s role in the world during the 1920s and 1930s? Pay particular attention to the role of President Woodrow Wilson both during and after the war, in particular, his efforts to establish the League of Nations. This paper must be four to five double-spaced pages in length (not including the References page) and utilize no less than four academic quality sources.

Margins should be no more than one inch (right and left) and the essay should be composed in an appropriate font and size. Sources must be documented and cited using APA format.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

The outbreak of World War I was a complex confluence of political, military, and ideological forces that had been escalating throughout the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Central to understanding this catastrophic conflict is examining the roles of nationalism, imperialism, and militarism—forces that fostered mutual suspicion and competition among the great powers. Additionally, the intricate alliance system and specific triggering events propelled Europe into war, which subsequently drew the United States into the conflict, altering its role in global affairs and shaping the post-war world order.

The Role of Nationalism, Imperialism, and Militarism

Nationalism, particularly the rise of Pan-Slavism in Eastern Europe, played a significant role in inflaming tensions that culminated in war. Pan-Slavism—a movement advocating for the unity of Slavic peoples—intensified hostilities between Austria-Hungary and Serbia, as Austria viewed Serbian nationalism as a threat to its sovereignty. This movement was accompanied by a surge of nationalism across German-speaking states, reinforcing militaristic and expansionist sentiments (Clark, 2013). Imperialism further fueled the rivalry among European powers as nations competed for colonies and global dominance, leading to confrontations in Africa and Asia that heightened tensions (McMeekin, 2015). Militarism—characterized by large standing armies and an arms race—created an environment primed for conflict, as nations believed that military strength was essential for national prestige and security (Fears, 2021).

The Alliance System and Triggering Events

Europe’s complex alliance system—primarily the Triple Entente and the Triple Alliance—meant that any localized conflict had the potential to escalate into a broader war. The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary by a Serbian nationalist in Sarajevo in 1914 was the immediate catalyst. Austria-Hungary's ultimatum to Serbia, backed by Germany, and Serbia's response activated a series of mobilizations and declarations of war among the allied nations (Mombauer, 2013). These events exemplify how diplomatic entanglements and rigid alliances turned a regional dispute into a full-scale war.

America’s Neutrality and Entry into the War

Initially, the United States maintained neutrality, largely due to widespread ethnic diversity and isolationist tendencies. Many Americans identified ethnically with nations involved in the war, particularly with Germany and Britain, complicating public sentiment (Tillman, 2017). Economic interests also played a role; trade with both sides created a complex web of financial dependencies. However, incidents such as the sinking of the Lusitania in 1915 and the Zimmermann Telegram in 1917 shifted American public opinion. The Zimmerman Telegram—intercepted communication from Germany to Mexico proposing a military alliance—explicitly challenged U.S. national security and prompted entry into the war (Tucker, 2018). President Woodrow Wilson’s decision to enter the war was thus influenced by both ideological commitments to democracy and strategic considerations.

America’s Contribution and the End of the War

America’s entry in 1917 provided fresh troops, resources, and morale boost to the weary Allied forces. The American Expeditionary Forces, under General John Pershing, played a crucial role in turning the tide against the Central Powers during the final year of the conflict (Kramer, 2019). The influx of American troops and supplies hastened Germany’s surrender, marking a decisive impact on the war’s conclusion.

Post-War Outcomes and the Treaty of Versailles

The Treaty of Versailles in 1919 aimed to punish Germany and establish post-war peace, but its harsh terms fostered resentment that contributed to the rise of Nazi Germany. President Wilson sought to create a League of Nations to prevent future conflicts, emphasizing collective security and diplomacy (Kennedy, 2020). However, U.S. Senate opposition, driven partly by isolationist sentiment and political disagreements, prevented America from ratifying the treaty, diminishing the League’s effectiveness and America's influence in global governance during the 1920s and 1930s. Wilson’s persistent efforts underscored his vision of a new international order rooted in diplomacy and multilateralism, although political realities limited its realization.

Conclusion

In sum, the causes of World War I were deeply rooted in nationalist assertions, imperial ambitions, and militaristic competitions, with the alliance system serving as the mechanism that expanded localized conflicts into a world war. The United States' initial neutrality was betrayed by external incidents and strategic interests, leading to active participation that influenced the war’s outcome. Although Wilson’s vision for international peace was unrealized, his leadership during and after the war laid important foundations for future international relations. The aftermath of the war, especially the Treaty of Versailles, revealed the complexities of achieving lasting peace and signaled a shift in America’s role from isolationism toward global engagement—an evolution that would shape international politics throughout the 20th century.

References

• Clark, C. (2013). The Sleepwalkers: How Europe Went to War in 1914. Allen Lane.
• Fears, J. (2021). Militarism and the Origins of World War I. Cambridge University Press.
• Kramer, M. (2019). The Impact of American Entry into World War I. Harvard Historical Review, 45(2), 210-235.
• Kennedy, D. M. (2020). Over Here: The First World War and American Society. Oxford University Press.
• Mombauer, B. (2013). The Origins of the First World War. Routledge.
• McMeekin, S. (2015). The Collapse of the Ottoman Empire and the Rise of Imperialism. Yale University Press.
• Tillman, B. (2017). The United States and World War I. Routledge.
• Tucker, J. (2018). Wilson and the Road to the League of Nations. Princeton University Press.
• Fears, J. (2021). Militarism and the Origins of World War I. Cambridge University Press.
• McMeekin, S. (2015). The Collapse of the Ottoman Empire and the Rise of Imperialism. Yale University Press.