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President Wilson's Participation In World War I

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World War 1, also known as The Great War, was the first major war of the 20th century. The war started with the assassination of the Austrian Archduke Franz Ferdinand. Austria believed that Serbia was behind the murder and declared war. Germany supported Austria, and Bulgaria and the Ottoman Empire would join to become the Central Powers. However, Russia and France supported Serbia, and Britain, Italy, and Belgium would soon join to become the Allied Powers. America chose not to enter the war until l917 when Germany left them no choice. However, when America did decide to enter the war they supported the Allied Powers. America changed the war and tilted the odds to favor heavily towards the Allies. The war involved more countries than any war …show more content…

In 1918, Wilson gave a speech to Congress that outlined fourteen points for peace and the end of World War 1. President Wilson hoped that this war would be the “war to end all wars”. In his speech, he discussed diplomatic issues, which included freedom of navigation on the seas, and the removal of trade barriers. He also discussed territorial issues, which included the freedom of French territory, Russia being allowed to determine its own form of government, and German troops evacuating from Belgium as it becomes its own independent country. One of the fourteen points in Wilson’s speech was for A League of Nations to be formed in order to protect the independence of all countries. Wilson believed that this League of Nations would reduce international conflict and prevent any conflict from escalating. At the Paris Peace Conference, Wilson received approval for a League of Nations and returned to Congress to present the Treaty of Versailles, which included the League of Nations. Wilson faced rejection and resistance to the treaty and the League when presenting it to the Senate. Many believed that Wilson had not put America’s best interests in mind and that by being a part of the League of Nations the U.S. would have too much responsibility when it came to international affairs. Congress continued to reject the treaty and the U.S. involvement in the League. Wilson may have failed to create order in the world, however, The League of Nations did exist, but without America’s

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