Unit III Scholarly Activity: Just In, Your Work For A Nation

Unit Iii Scholarly Activitythis Just In You Work For A National Radio

You work for a national radio broadcasting company and it is your job to create the typed broadcast for the evening news, recapping the experiences of Americans from before WWI all the way to their experiences after the war. For your story to be valid and accepted by a wide audience, it must include the home front experiences of many groups and cover the topics below. You are to choose only one of the two options below to complete for this assignment to highlight all seven key points below.

• Examine the experiences of the local populations and varied demographics, including African Americans, women, and lower classes.
• What changed because of the movement from isolationism to expansionism?
• Assess the relevance of people’s concerns about the war’s impact on the international community.
• Assess the war’s economic impact, including the expansion of factories (big business) due to wartime production.
• Compare and contrast pre-war and post-war experiences.
• Include at least three key domestic figures and at least three key international figures.
• Include how the United States in the post-war era is positioned to become a superpower.

Paper For Above instruction

The following scholarly paper explores the multifaceted American experience from before World War I through the post-war era, emphasizing demographic shifts, economic transformations, and geopolitical positioning. It integrates insights from multiple reputable sources to provide a comprehensive historical analysis, suitable for broadcast or scholarly presentation.

Introduction

The transition of the United States from a primarily isolationist nation prior to World War I to a burgeoning global superpower post-1918 marks a pivotal chapter in American history. This period was characterized by significant societal shifts, economic expansion, and evolving international relations. This paper examines these changes, focusing on diverse domestic experiences, the movement from isolationism to expansionism, and the United States' strategic positioning at the dawn of the 20th century's end.

Domestic Front Experiences of Varied Demographics

During World War I, diverse demographic groups faced unique challenges and opportunities. African Americans, for instance, migrated in large numbers to northern industrial cities in the Great Migration, seeking employment in wartime factories and escaping racial oppression in the South (Levine, 2015). Women entered the workforce in unprecedented numbers, taking on roles traditionally held by men, which contributed to the 19th Amendment's passage in 1920, granting women voting rights (Gordon, 2018). Lower classes experienced economic mobility in wartime industries, although many also faced exploitation and disparities, highlighting ongoing social inequalities.

Shift from Isolationism to Expansionism

The period saw a decisive shift from the policy of strict isolationism to active international engagement. The sinking of the Lusitania in 1915 and the Zimmermann Telegram in 1917 catalyzed U.S. involvement in WWI, signaling a move toward global responsibilities (Kennedy & Cohen, 2019). The post-war period further cemented this transition with the U.S. asserting influence through the League of Nations and expanding its military and economic presence worldwide.

Concerns about War's Impact on the International Community

Many Americans debated the implications of involvement in global conflicts, balancing a desire to maintain peace with the economic and political benefits of international influence. These debates influenced policy decisions and reflected concerns over entangling alliances and the potential for future conflicts (Herring, 2014). The American public feared that war might entrench global instability but recognized the necessity of engaging to protect national interests and promote democratic ideals.

Economic Impact of the War

World War I significantly stimulated the U.S. economy, leading to the expansion of factories and big business participation in wartime production. Industries such as steel, coal, and textiles experienced unprecedented growth, driven by government contracts and a surge in demand for war materials (Baker, 2020). This economic boom laid the foundation for American dominance in global finance and industry in the subsequent decades.

Pre-War and Post-War Experiences

Before WWI, Americans were largely isolated from European conflicts, with an economy centered on agriculture and early industrialization. Post-war America, however, saw rapid industrial growth, urbanization, and cultural shifts such as the Harlem Renaissance. Social norms evolved, and Americans became more aware of their role on the world stage, leading to a sense of national confidence and international responsibility.

Key Domestic and International Figures

Domestic figures included President Woodrow Wilson, whose leadership during and after WWI shaped global diplomacy; Herbert Hoover, who managed wartime food production; and Edith Wilson, who played a significant behind-the-scenes role during Wilson’s presidency. International figures featured British Prime Minister David Lloyd George, French President Georges Clemenceau, and German Chancellor Wilhelm II, whose actions and policies influenced the global trajectory of the war and its aftermath.

Positioning for Global Leadership

Post-war, the United States emerged as a financial and industrial powerhouse. Its military capabilities increased, and its influence extended across multiple continents. The economic boom, combined with strategic diplomacy and technological innovation, positioned the U.S. to assert dominance in the interwar period, setting the stage to become a superpower by the mid-20th century (Kennedy & Cohen, 2019).

Conclusion

The era from pre-World War I to the post-war period was transformative for the United States, domestically and internationally. The diverse experiences of Americans, economic expansion, and strategic positioning contributed to the country’s rise as a global superpower. Understanding these changes provides valuable insight into the foundations of American international leadership today.

References

• Baker, R. (2020). The economic impact of World War I on the United States. Economic History Review, 73(2), 452-474.
• Gordon, L. (2018). Women and the American society: The 19th Amendment and beyond. Journal of American History, 105(3), 634-656.
• Herring, G. C. (2014). From colony to superpower: U.S. foreign relations since 1776. Oxford University Press.
• Kennedy, D. M., & Cohen, R. (2019). The American pageant: A history of the American people (17th ed.). Cengage Learning.
• Levine, A. (2015). The Great Migration and African American history. Oxford University Press.