Kristawn Friday

HIST 1103

Dr. Justin Prince

The cataclysmic event that was World War One, also known as the Great War, will

forever be remembered as one of the deadliest conflicts in the annals of human history. Its

impact was far-reaching, both in the United States and on the world stage, and its aftermath led

to the redrawing of national borders, the creation of new countries, and the imposition of heavy

reparations on Germany, all of which had a profound impact on global politics and economics.

The United States, a late entrant into the war, played a decisive military role in the Allied

victory, with its American Expeditionary Force led by the legendary General John J. Pershing,

providing much-needed resources such as troops, weapons, and supplies to the Allied powers.

The American involvement helped to tilt the balance of power in favor of the Allies, ultimately

leading to their eventual victory.

However, the impact of World War One on American society was equally profound. The

war brought about significant changes in gender roles, with women taking on new roles in the

workforce, working in factories, and other traditionally male-dominated industries, leading to

greater economic independence for women. It also helped to advance the civil rights movement,

with African Americans serving in the military and working in war-related industries.
 President Woodrow Wilson played a pivotal role in the Versailles Peace Conference,

which aimed to create a new world order that would foster lasting peace after the end of the war.

Wilson's ambitious goals for the conference, outlined in his Fourteen Points speech, included the

creation of a League of Nations that would provide a forum for nations to resolve their disputes

peacefully, free trade, disarmament, and self-determination for all nations.

Despite his noble aspirations, however, Wilson was unable to achieve all of his

objectives. The treaty ultimately imposed heavy reparations on Germany, which Wilson feared

would lead to another war in the future. His vision for a new world order clashed with the more

pragmatic goals of other countries, leading to his inability to secure all of his objectives.

In conclusion, the impact of World War One on the United States and abroad was

significant, and its effects on American society, the economy, and politics were far-reaching. The

war's complex nature and multifaceted impact make it a fascinating subject for study, as we

continue to learn from history to better understand our world today.