The Political State Of America

a. Wilson realized the economic advantages of remaining a neutral country, and understood that the United States’ abundance in industry and its large domestic consumer market meant that the national economy was not under any immediate threat. Furthermore, as the world’s leading manufacturer and economic power, the United States became the primary supplier of the Allied war effort. As a result trade with the Allied nations fueled America’s industrial, services, and agricultural sectors, as American exports of steel, grain, clothes, food, money, weapons, etc, and brought about the biggest economic boom in U.S. history. American banks lent billions of dollars to the Allied coalition. The United States, however, did not trade strictly with the Allied nations, and for a time exploited its status as a neutral country to conduct trade with Germany, that was until Britain harassed American goods back to English ports. In spite of this trade with the Allied nations continued, and the national economy flourished from the sale of non-contraband goods. Wilson therefore had little reason to claim any greater a stake in the European war than strictly business. Moreover, the United States, as a result of the Second Industrial Revolution, enjoyed a self-sufficient economy founded on the nation’s vast array of industry and a steady supply of valuable resources like oil and steel. America’s industries were perfectly suited to the nation’s

While the war raged on into 1916, the United States transitioned from a “debtors nation” into a “creditors nation”. Between 1913 and 1916 American exports rose from 2 billion dollars annually to 6 billion. (Zieger, 16) While it was clear that the Allies were greatly indebted to the United States Wilson saw the opportunity to the U.S. influence to provoke peace between the warring nations. As American sentiment began rising about expanding an American army, most Americans believed that the United States had a responsibility to bring both sides together and resolve the war.

Profits affected American foreign policy because the US was producing more that it could possibly consume at the time, they needed a market for their exports. In order to secure their share of the global market and make a good profit along with access to sugar, coffee, fruits, oil, rubber and minerals, the government built a stronger navy, acquired more coaling stations and colonies and invested heavily in foreign markets.

It is 2014 and since the beginning of the millennium there has been a major shift in America’s political ideology and demographics, more so than in any set period of time. America which has historically been very conservative, has started to become more liberally made evident by the results of the last two elections. Although America’s government is based on a less centralized system and free market, Americans have seemed to start embracing things like big government and a stricter market. Americans are also starting to think different on social issues such as homosexuality and drug usage. America has also experienced a change in its demographics as minorities like Asians and Hispanics continue to grow while whites are, percentage wise, starting to make up a smaller part of Americas population. Along with a shift in ideology and change in demographics, technology and communication has advanced greatly making the world a much more connected place. Because of this connectivity people are also beginning to be influenced by foreign ideas that are not familiar to most Americans such as universal healthcare. Overall, because of factors such as foreign influences due to technology and changing demographics, America has become less conservative and more liberal.

A less powerful sway on the American decision to declare war on Germany was U.S. economic interests. The development that occurred from WWI was one of the greatest economic booms in the nation’s history. Because of the status of neutrality, the U.S. had the right to continue trade with belligerent countries, and since there was a need for its general use, metal was the most profitable trade with nations at war. Not only did this benefit the recipient’s economy, but the U.S. economy benefitted greatly from it as well. When the War Industries Board instigated the immediate production ammunition and armor, businesses in industry welcomed the guaranteed business and carried out the request. Trade between the U.S. and Germany diminished to 90% because of extensive, supreme blockade of German ports. The supplies sent on ships such as the Lusitania were considered contraband which was illegal to trade to these countries in Europe at the time. This led not only

Why did the American position regarding entrance to World War I shift? How did it affect America? It had been tradition to stay neutral during the war and not get involved. However, despite tradition and many Americans' position on staying neutral in the war, the government decided to join the Allies in the fight. During World War I, American concerns of trade with Europe and for the future of democracy influenced major developments in transportation and communication; this led to an impact in American society politically, socially, and economically.

America proved that it could develop and maintain its own political and national identity, and would do so at all costs. The war also convinced America that it needed to have an army ready to do battle at any given moment. Thus, an army was created, numbering 10,000 soldiers. There was a new found self-confidence and restored faith in the ability of the nation to militarily defend its honor and freedom. Additionally, the war stimulated and improved the American economy, an economy that had been so badly damaged by the Embargo and years of conflict, thus ushering in the first major effort of early industrialization in the United States.

During World War II the United States began to manufacture war materials to support its allies through lucrative government defense contracts as automobile factories like Ford and General Motors put aside their usual business operations and began to produce tanks and airplanes, shipyards too expanded their operations . The demand for war equipment naturally increased the demand for labor and as a result helped pull the American economy out of the grips of the Great Depression. Then as the unthinkable happened, on December 7, 1941, Japan bombed Pearl Harbor, which drew many young American men into the battlefield.

Also, if the United States was to enter the war, national production would switch from civilian products to war materials (Economic). In the years leading up to the war, America was already in a state of recession and they did not want to spend millions of dollars on this conflict. The following quote states how much the war affected the economy of the United States. "The total cost of World War I to the United States (was) approximately $32 billion, or 52 percent of gross national product at the time" (Economic). If you were the president of the United States, would you want to put out $32 billion dollars when your country is in recession as it is? Second, another reason the United States stayed out of the war for so long was because of their policy of neutrality. On August 19, 1914, President Woodrow Wilson addressed the congress and informed them of the U.S. policy of neutrality (First). In doing this, President Wilson was saying that the United States would stay neutral during the war and not intervene. During the president’s address to congress, he states, “Every man who really loves America will act and speak in the true spirit of neutrality” (First). By saying this, the president is saying that the policy of neutrality is the absolute best choice for the United States in this situation, and any citizens that did not believe in this did not truly care for the country or its people.

During WWI he United States profited from selling military essentials to both sides, Wilson’s neutrality stance became a great business opportunity for many manufactures. Industrial workers saw a high rise in demands and more job opportunities for every man woman and child. WWI soon became profitable for the American economy and essentially ensuring that the rich manufactures would get richer.But alas do not fear because American Businessmen also took in on the action much like one may place bets on a boxing match they bought war bonds from Britain and Germany securing a great payday given that they invested in the right one. no reasonable person or

Since gaining independence in the American Revolution and navigating through the difficulties of forming a new republic, the United States has continuously undergone major changes to its economic, political, and social situations, each change evolving from an obstacle faced by the nation. Some of the greatest and most impactful changes have occurred due to war, as the United States was forced to adapt and modify itself to meet the demands of conflict. After years of remaining isolated from the world stage, the United States was forced to face the conflict that was spreading across the globe in the late 1940s, eventually leading to the United States joining World War II. American participation in this war brought drastic changes to the home front of the United States, lifting it out of its economic depression and providing new opportunities for different groups. In addition, World War II brought about a sense of patriotism and unity as citizens began helping in an array of ways, including, rationing and buying war bonds. In stark contrast to this, the Vietnam War did not have the same positive effects on the United States. Rather than unity, there was distrust in the government after many military and political failures, and the United States faced economic downturn rather upturn. In addition, many Americans did not understand why the United States was fighting in the war, leading to lessened support for the war and active protests. Though there were many negative effects,

Later when the United States joined the war in, America’s support of the European affairs was beneficial for producing goods needed to sustain efforts. Because they had been supporting both sides of the war and trying to maintain neutral they profited from

The protection of its economic interests was also a major factor which influenced the decision for America to participate in World War 1. American businessmen such as J.P. Morgan who were interested in victory of the alliance funded French and British wars. These funds, roughly 3 billion US Dollars were mainly in form of loans and bond purchases. This led to the fear that incase Central Powers (Germany, Bulgaria, Austria-Hungary and the Ottoman Empire) emerged victorious, the Allies (France, Britain and Italy) would be unable to repay these debts. As a measure to counter this risk, these businessmen united to support a campaign movement; ‘Preparedness Movement’, which pushed for America to intervene in the war and support the Allied forces.

When World War II began, the United States was not initially apart of it. What sparked the beginning was Nazi Germany’s attack on Poland in September 1939. Even though we were not at the center of the action, our country did take steps to assist and protect weaker countries, like the United Kingdom. Roosevelt felt it was important to “be the great Arsenal Democracy…[he believed] we must apply ourselves to our task with the same resolution, the same sense of urgency, the same spirit of patriotism and sacrifice as we would show were we at war.” Because of this, the zeal and patriotism America showed was greatly increased. We took advantage of the power we had and the American Industry began to put forth collective efforts in supporting the Allies.

In 1914, when the war began, the United States remained neutral, taking a backseat to the fighting in Europe. The war however, still had an impact on America. There was a large industrial expansion in industry and agriculture from the increased demand for those supplies over seas. The French, British, and Russians imported raw materials, foodstuff, and military supplies, which resulted in an increase of 15% in the gross national product (GNP) for the United States (Progressive Era). Although some questioned the need to spend such a large amount of money on a war that the U.S. was not yet a part of, the U.S. raised $15 billion dollars more than they spent on their allies with just the sale of Liberty bonds; that doesn’t include the money tax revenue (Progressive Era). Staying neutral actually helped the U.S. maintain a steady economy without losing any lives in combat. The money that the U.S. was able to make back went into programs to aid apparent issues in the country, such as education, that only received the attention after the war.