1895-1920s Dbq Essay

What typically motivates people to do anything? Self-Interest, and America did not fall short of this characteristic throughout the following years: 1895-1920. There were always hidden causes in America’s actions such as land, money, and power, which were strong influences in the young World Power’s influences. This is evident through the imperialistic nature of America always growing and needing somewhere to further its claws, the demand from the ever growing economic system, and the power that radiated from the growing nation, and even the president. Once America became aware of its strength, the wish to ‘expand’ became merely only a part of America’s natural tendency. Not only did it become aware, it jumped with interest, land hunger, and a new sensation for fighting (Doc A). Whereas most imperialists said in defense of the Pact of Paris, ‘But we are only civilizing them,’ the anti-imperialists would highlight how this opposed self-determination. Even though an addition of Puerto Rico and holding on Cuba, until the Spanish-American War ended, the self-interest in America became prominent. This extended to the United State’s inability to avoid its world duties...and not retreating from any soil where the U.S. banner flew (Doc. B). Thus, America’s help for other’s democracy, even if a full intervene, would come first, and at times leave its mark. An example of an American mark from intervention, occurred within Cuba’s own constitution. They were forced to only conclude treaties after consulting with America, and not take any debt exceeding their resources. Although compromising their independence, America required, “The what’s in it for me clause,” in this situation. In regards to the economy, America found itself connected to other countries for trade and investments. A prime candidate connected to America was China, which contained American Missionaries upon their land (Doc. D). These missionaries became prime concerns for America after Japan had left China out to the vultures, predominantly Russia and Germany. This resulted in a call to action to …show more content…
After President Wilson declared a war, he much rather avoid, Germany had put aside its restraints of law and humanity (Doc. G). Whereas, Germany had agreed to not destroy any more American merchant ships without notice, which occurred after their U-Boat warfare was re-established. This left America in the stance of demeaning its power or joining the war effort to defend their own reputation. In the end of the war, the Treaty of Versaille made President Wilson compromise in numerous situations with one thought in mind, the League of Nations (Doc H). Although a republican delegate should have attended the meeting for the treaty, President Wilson made his appearance and had his intentions of getting what he wanted. Once the others agreed to the League of Nations President Wilson brought the treaty home with glee, but the republican dominated senate will not share his same emotions. They reminded the president about the right for the senate to declare war so they adjusted the treaty accordingly, but Wilson would not follow through as his power would be undermined and the other countries would have an advantage. Thus, pride took over President Wilson’s mindset, and his desire for America to become the head figure of the League of Nations never occurred due to the stubbornness that left the Treaty of Versaille as