Getting America into the Great War by Michael Neiberg

The speaker introduces Michael Nyberg, a distinguished scholar with a background in national security and strategy at the US Army War College. Nyberg's academic achievements include being a Guggenheim fellow and a trustee of the society for military history. His published works focus on significant historical events like World War I and the liberation of Paris in 1944. He is currently working on a history of American responses to the European war from 1914 to 1917, which is the subject of his upcoming book. The speaker also highlights the importance of understanding the First World War's impact on American history and the significance of the 100th anniversary as a period for reflection and learning.

The paragraph discusses America's initial stance during World War I, as exemplified by the American ambassador to Great Britain, Walter Hines Page. Page, initially reflecting the general sentiment of the American public, was grateful for the Atlantic Ocean's separation from the conflict. However, by October 1915, he had come to believe that a German victory would necessitate a significant increase in American military power, which was an undesirable outcome. Page's views were more advanced than most Americans at the time, and his attempts to convey the urgency to President Wilson were largely unsuccessful. By April 1917, the majority of Americans had come to agree with Page's assessment, marking a significant shift in American sentiment towards the war.

This section delves into the American perception of Germany before and during the onset of World War I. The 'two Germanys' thesis was prevalent, distinguishing between a cultured Germany, associated with positive attributes like music and science, and a militaristic Prussian Germany that was seen as oppressive. This perception influenced American views, leading to a belief that the United States was at war with the regime, not the people. The narrative was reinforced by figures like Oswald Spengler and Mary Roberts Rinehart, who suggested that the German people were victims of their regime and would eventually rise against it.

The paragraph examines the defense of Germany's actions during the war, particularly by Ugo Monberg, a Harvard professor who argued that Germany was not the aggressor. Monberg's stance was controversial, and his efforts to influence American opinion, including writing to President Wilson, ultimately backfired. His views became increasingly isolated, and after the sinking of the Lusitania, he ceased speaking and writing about the war. The American public's response to Monberg was largely negative, reinforcing the belief that Germany was the instigator of the conflict.

This section explores the economic impact of World War I on the United States, particularly the initial recession and the measures taken to stabilize the economy. The American economy was severely affected by the withdrawal of gold from banks and the closure of stock markets. The Wilson administration's response included controversial steps like introducing an income tax and establishing the Federal Reserve Bank. By the end of 1914, the American economy began to recover, and industries like finance, insurance, and agriculture started to profit from the war. The United States saw an opportunity to reorient the world's economy towards itself, with American industries benefiting from the demand for goods by the warring nations.

The final paragraph discusses the 'privatization of preparedness' in the United States. As the government was slow to act, American citizens and organizations took the initiative to prepare for potential conflict. Notable figures like Thomas Edison and William Henry Welch contributed by training military personnel and creating networks of medical professionals. Educational institutions like Columbia University also played a role, with faculty offering their expertise to support the war effort. This grassroots movement demonstrated a proactive approach to preparedness, reflecting the American spirit of self-reliance and initiative.