HISTORY 324B Discussion Questions

January 18, 2000

The purpose of this week's readings is an attempt to understand the attitudes and perceptions of America towards itself and its relationship to the rest of the world at the onset of war.   In doing so we should also consider the debates, if any, about America's entry into the war.

1. How does Wilson define the American position in 1914 and in 1917?  Between those two documents what is consistent and what changes?
2. From the two documents by Wilson, what is America's view of itself?  Its view of other nations?  It view of its role in the world?
3. What is the argument of Dewey?  On what does he base his contentions?
4. What is the argument of Bourne?  On what does he base his contentions?  Does he successfully counter Dewey?
5. Of the two (Dewey and Bourne) who do you think has the better argument and why?
6. Overall what do the writings by Dewey and Bourne tell us about America as it entered the war in 1917?  How do their views of America compare to those of Wilson?

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