Why did many progressives on either side of WW1 see America's entry into the war as an opportunity? What did the progressives accomplish during the war that they felt was positive?
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Many progressives on either side of World War I saw America's entry into the war as an opportunity for various reasons. To understand their perspective, we need to consider the context of the Progressive era and the events leading up to the war.
During the Progressive era, which lasted roughly from the late 19th to the early 20th century, progressives advocated for social and political reforms to address the problems resulting from industrialization and urbanization. Their goals included eliminating corruption, improving working conditions, reducing income inequality, and expanding democracy.
When America entered World War I in 1917, some progressives saw it as a chance to advance their agenda. Here are a few reasons why they viewed it as an opportunity:
1. Patriotism and National Unity: The war presented an opportunity for progressives to rally around a common cause and cultivate a sense of patriotism and national unity. They saw the war effort as a catalyst for mobilizing the country towards positive change.
2. Promoting Democracy: Many progressives believed that the war was being fought for democratic ideals and saw it as a chance to promote democracy not only abroad but also within the United States. They believed that victory in the war would strengthen the case for democratic reforms domestically.
3. Social Welfare: Progressives aimed to use wartime efforts to implement social welfare programs and improve the lives of workers. They advocated for improved working conditions, fair wages, and enhanced social safety nets, arguing that these reforms were necessary for a successful war effort.
4. International Cooperation: Some progressives saw the war as an opportunity to foster international cooperation and establish mechanisms for resolving conflicts peacefully. They believed that America's involvement in the war could contribute to the creation of a post-war world order that would prioritize diplomacy and collective security.
During the war, progressives successfully achieved several positive outcomes that aligned with their goals:
1. Labor Reforms: The war created a labor shortage, leading to increased demand for workers. Progressive labor activists used this opportunity to organize and advocate for improved wages, shorter working hours, and safer working conditions. They saw these reforms as important for both worker well-being and productive war efforts.
2. Women's Suffrage: Progressive suffragettes argued that women's contributions to the war effort highlighted their competence and reliability, which helped gain support for granting women the right to vote. In 1920, the 19th Amendment was ratified, granting women suffrage.
3. Expansion of Government Power: Progressives supported an expanded role for the federal government in addressing social and economic problems. During the war, the government implemented various measures such as price controls, food rationing, and the establishment of agencies like the War Industries Board and War Labor Board, which helped regulate industries, stabilize prices, and address labor disputes.
While not all progressives supported America's entry into World War I, many saw it as an opportunity to advance their agenda and achieve positive changes both domestically and internationally.