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The Election of 1912 (VUS.8d)
Woodrow Wilson (Democrat) defeated President Taft (Republican) and Theodore Roosevelt (Progressive Party) who was running as a third party candidate. MORE -
Wilson Takes Office
As a Progressive, Woodrow Wilson backed the “New Freedom” plan which was highlighted by tariff reform, banking reform, and business reform. Wilson was able to keep us out of the Great War for three years. To “make the world safe for democracy”, America joined the fight and guaranteed a victory for the Allies. But failure to conclude a lasting peace left a bitter legacy…MORE -
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Woodrow Wilson Administration
As a Progressive, Woodrow Wilson backed the “New Freedom” plan which was highlighted by tariff reform, banking reform, and business reform. Wilson was able to keep us out of the Great War for three years. To “make the world safe for democracy”, America joined the fight and guaranteed a victory for the Allies. But failure to conclude a lasting peace left a bitter legacy… -
17th Amendment Ratified (VUS.8d)
This provides for greater electoral power to the people by the selection of US Senators to be done by direct popular vote. Previously, Senators were selected by the state legislatures, which often led to corruption and control by machine bosses. Now, the people would hold the power - MORE -
Underwood Tariff (VUS.8d)
Part of the “New Freedom” plan, this tariff revision greatly reduced rates of tariffs. -
Federal Reserve Act (VUS.8d)
Established the Federal Reserve which would help manage the nation’s money supply and help regulate the amount of cash flowing in the economy by raising or lowering interest rates. The goal was to safeguard the American banking system. This was another element of the “New Freedom” MORE -
World War 1 Begins (VUS.9b)
Europe had become a “powder keg” ready to explode. Underlying causes were 1) nationalism, 2) militarism, 3) imperialism and 4) a complex alliance system. After Archduke Ferdinand was assassinated by a Serbian nationalist on June 28, and the deadline for apologies passed, Europe divided into the Central Powers and Allied Powers as the first World War began! -
The Panama Canal Opens (VUS.9a)
Completing the greatest construction feat to that time, the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean met which completed Theodore Roosevelt’s grand dream of such a waterway. Shipping and naval power of the United States grew tremendously with this “short cut”. MORE -
Federal Trade Commission (VUS.8d)
Formed by an act of Congress and signed by Wilson, this government commission was designed to regulate business activities and investigate complaints of unfair business practices. Part of the “New Freedom” -
Clayton Anti-Trust Act (VUS.8d)
Strengthening the Sherman Anti-Trust Act which had proven difficult to enforce, this law spelled out specific activities which were considered “restraining trade”, and made it much easier to identify and break up the bad trusts. Labor unions were exempted from this law! MORE -
Lusitania is torpedoed by U-Boats (VUS.9b)
Part of Germany’s unrestricted submarine warfare, the passenger ship was attacked in the North Atlantic – most passengers perished including 114 Americans. This action outraged many Americans, even though the Germans claimed weapons were being smuggled to the Allies on the ship. Read MORE -
Zimmerman Telegram (VUS.9b)
German officials sent a message to Mexico, asking for a declaration of war against the United States. In return, Mexico would be granted the land in the Southwest that it had previously lost. American officials intercepted the message and published it. US War Hawks were beginning to gain momentum. MORE -
Revolution in Russia (VUS.9b)
The Tsar Nicholas II was forced out of office, and turmoil surrounded the future of Russia’s involvement in the war. By the second communist revolution, Russia announced that it would sue for peace and withdraw on Feb 10, 1918. The Central Powers could now focus on a one-front war. MORE on the Russian Revolution -
U.S. Declaration of War (VUS.9b)
An end to neutrality, Wilson asked Congress to declare war on the Central Powers to “make the world safe for democracy”. American entry into the first World War ensured an Allied victory. This war would combine the power of industry and the infliction of death – making it the deadliest war to date. MORE -
Wilson announces the 14 Points (VUS.9b)
A plan for a lasting peace, the 14 points advocated self-determination of nations, freedom of the seas, disarmament, a pact to end secret treaties, a plan to “free the mandates”, and a league of nations which would provide a peaceful means of diplomacy rather than resorting to war. MORE on the 14 Points -
Armistice! (VUS.9b)
Germany and the Central Powers agreed to end hostilities and discuss a treaty of surrender. At 11:00 a.m. on that day, the guns fell silent. Read an eyewitness account. -
Versailles Peace Conference (VUS.9b)
Wilson advocated his 14 Points, but the other Allies wanted revenge. They forced Germany and the Central Powers to sign a very punitive treaty, which included giving up their colonies, the creation of many new nations, and war reparations with a guilt clause. The League of Nations was created, but otherwise Wilson’s pleas for a lasting peace were ignored. MORE -
Defeat of the League of Nations (VUS.9b)
The Senate refused to ratify the Treaty of Versailles and refused to join the League of Nations. In spite of presidential protests, many senators opposed the idea of an outside agency determining foreign policy decisions of the United States. Further, the Senate felt that the treaty was simply too harsh on Germany and negotiated a separate treaty. Here is a classic speech against the Treaty. -
18th Amendment Goes into Effect (VUS.8d, 10a)
The banning of production, sale and transportation of alcohol was a victory for the Temperance Movement. However, it opened the door to organized crime and challenged many social beliefs in “law and order”. Eventually, it would be overturned! MORE -
19th Amendment (VUS.8d)
After work began prior to the Civil War by people like Elizabeth Cady Stanton, women were finally protected in their right to vote. A forerunner to the modern protest movement, work from many groups culminated in this victory. MORE
