Unit 2 Exam Part 1 - 40 Points

Unit 2 Exam Part 1 40 Pointsattached Filesdocument1 Wilsonpdf77

For Part 1 of the Unit 2 Exam, read the two documents attached above and examine the image located below and attached above. Using the documents, the image, and the textbook, write an essay (minimum 400 words) answering the questions listed below. NOTE : Read all of document 1. Document 2 is 20 pages long, but you only need to focus on pages 5-10, especially the highlighted portions. Here is a youtube link to actor Mark Ruffalo performing the highlighted portions of the speech in document 2:

Part 1 Questions :

1. In document 1, how does Woodrow Wilson justify his support for American involvement in World War I?
2. In document 2, how does Eugene V. Debs justify his opposition to World War I?
3. What elements of the image above reflect the ideas presented in documents 1 and 2? How do you think imagery like this affected American perceptions about Germans and World War I?
4. Based on the textbook, as well as the documents and the image, explain why the United States intervened in World War I.

Paper For Above instruction

In this essay, I will analyze and compare the perspectives of Woodrow Wilson and Eugene V.. Debs regarding World War I, as presented in the respective documents, and explore how imagery such as the 1918 propaganda poster influenced public perception of the war and the Germans. Additionally, I will synthesize these insights with historical context from the textbook to explain the reasons behind America's intervention in World War I.

Wilson’s Justification for U.S. Entry into World War I

Woodrow Wilson’s justification for American involvement in World War I, as articulated in Document 1, centered on the ideals of democracy, security, and peace. Wilson argued that the conflict posed a threat to global democracy and American principles of self-determination. He emphasized that the United States' entry was necessary to make the world “safe for democracy,” asserting that the war was not merely a local conflict but a universal struggle between autocracy and democracy (Wilson, 1917). Wilson believed that by joining the Allies, America could help shape a new international order rooted in collective security and diplomatic cooperation, exemplified later by his advocacy for the League of Nations.

Debs’s Opposition to World War I

Conversely, Eugene V. Debs, in Document 2, justifies his opposition to the war based on anti-imperialist and anti-militarist principles. Debs views the war as a tool used by capitalists and imperialists to serve their interests at the expense of the working class. He condemns the war as an enterprise that benefits the wealthy while sacrificing the lives of ordinary workers and soldiers. Debs also emphasizes that the war was propagated through government and media efforts, which stifled dissent and suppressed freedom of speech (Debs, 1918). His stance reflects a broader socialist perspective that the conflict was part of a class struggle and criticized the patriotism that silenced dissent.

Imagery and Public Perception of Germans and War

The World War I propaganda poster produced by the U.S. Army in 1918 and the related image reflect the ideas presented in the documents by emphasizing themes of nationalism, duty, and demonization of the enemy. The poster likely depicts Germans as a threatening and dehumanized enemy, which aligns with Wilson's justification of the war as a fight against autocracy and evil influences. Imagery like this fostered a sense of patriotic duty among Americans and reinforced stereotypes about Germans, portraying them as barbaric and treacherous. Such propaganda played a crucial role in mobilizing public support and justifying military actions, even at the expense of civil liberties or dissenting voices, paralleling Debs's criticism of suppression of freedom.

Reasons for U.S. Intervention in World War I

Combining insights from the textbook, documents, and imagery, it becomes evident that the United States intervened in World War I driven by a combination of factors. Wilson’s argument for humanitarian reasons and the promotion of democracy aligned with economic interests such as protecting trade routes and financial investments in Allied nations. Additionally, events like the sinking of the Lusitania and the interception of the Zimmerman Telegram heightened anti-German sentiment and created a sense of urgency for intervention. Propaganda reinforced the righteousness of joining the war effort, framing it as a moral duty to fight against tyranny and protect American ideals. Collectively, these elements galvanized American public opinion and governmental support for entering the war.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Wilson’s support was rooted in ideological beliefs about democracy and peace, whereas Debs opposed the war on grounds of economic and class interests. The imagery surrounding the war contributed significantly to shaping patriotic sentiments and demonizing enemies, facilitating the U.S. intervention. These perspectives, combined with the broader historical context, explain why the United States ultimately entered World War I — to defend democracy, secure economic interests, and uphold national security. The propaganda and political rhetoric created a climate that made intervention appear both necessary and justified in the eyes of many Americans.

References

• Wilson, W. (1917). War Message to Congress. The American Presidency Project.
• Debs, E. V. (1918). Speech at Canton, Ohio. The Socialist Party Archives.
• U.S. Army. (1918). World War I propaganda poster. Smithsonian Institution.
• Kellogg, S. (2018). The United States and World War I. Oxford University Press.
• Kennedy, D. M. (1999). Over Here: The First World War and American Society. Oxford University Press.
• Ferguson, N. (1999). The Pity of War: Explaining World War I. Basic Books.
• Link, A. (2014). Wilson: The Road to the First Modern President. Princeton University Press.
• Keene, J. (2014). World War I and the American Century. Routledge.
• Hughes, S. (2007). The Culture of War Propaganda. University of Chicago Press.
• Hutchison, P. (2011). The American War. Yale University Press.