America - The New Superpower
Post-War Problems Europe wanted Central Powers to pay reparations for damage caused during war Europe wanted to take all land owned by Central Powers before the war Europe wanted to leave Germany powerless
President Woodrow Wilson He felt that Germany shouldn’t be punished heavily Europe needs to eliminate cause of war or another World War would happen
President Woodrow Wilson Devised a plan for peace known as FOURTEEN POINT plan
FOURTEEN POINT PLAN Designed to eliminate causes of war Self-determination – countries should be able to rule themselves (end of imperialism) Freedom of the Seas
FOURTEEN POINT PLAN Designed to eliminate causes of war League of Nations – a world organization dedicated to keeping peace Mandate System
Treaty of Versailles National boundaries were re- drawn in Europe and new countries created League of Nations created (Germany excluded)
Treaty of Versailles Germany was stripped of all power and embarrassed –had to pay $33 billion in reparations for war –military was dismantled
U.S. Congress rejects Treaty Treaty did not address the causes of the war US felt France and G.B. went too far in punishing Germany
U.S. Congress rejects Treaty America did not want to join League of Nations –felt League of Nations would try to control American foreign policy
Roaring Twenties (1920’s) Era of Great American Prosperity Fueled by money generated from World War I and rebuilding of Europe Most Americans invested in Stock market Era of American Gangsters (Al Capone)
Harlem Renaissance
Re-birth of African-American culture in Harlem, NY Led by poet Langston Hughes
Harlem Renaissance Responsible for art, literature, music (jazz & blues) that transformed culture for all Americans
Economic Cycle Phase 1 – economy is growing; new jobs being created Phase 2 – economy is at its highest peak; low unemployment (Roaring 1920’s)
Economic Cycle Phase 3(Recession) – economy is slow; jobs being lost Phase 4(Depression) – economy not generating money; unemployment extremely high