Preparedness Movement

Definition

The preparedness movement was a political and social effort in the United States in the early 20th century to increase the country's military readiness and preparedness for potential armed conflict. This movement arose in response to concerns about the nation's ability to defend itself and project power on the global stage.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The preparedness movement gained momentum in the early 1910s, as the United States sought to assert its global power and influence in the wake of World War I.
2. Proponents of the preparedness movement argued that the United States needed to modernize and expand its military forces to protect its interests and deter potential adversaries.
3. The movement was supported by a diverse coalition of political and social groups, including industrialists, military leaders, and nationalist organizations.
4. The preparedness movement was a driving force behind the passage of the National Defense Act of 1916, which significantly increased military spending and personnel.
5. The preparedness movement also influenced the decision-making of President Woodrow Wilson, who initially resisted calls for U.S. involvement in World War I but ultimately led the country into the conflict in 1917.

Review Questions

• Explain the key goals and motivations behind the preparedness movement in the United States.
  • The preparedness movement in the early 20th century sought to increase the United States' military readiness and capabilities in response to concerns about the nation's ability to defend its interests and project power on the global stage. Proponents of the movement argued that the U.S. needed to modernize and expand its armed forces to deter potential adversaries and protect its economic and political interests. The movement was supported by a diverse coalition of political and social groups, including industrialists, military leaders, and nationalist organizations, who believed that a strong military was essential for the country's security and global influence.
• Analyze the impact of the preparedness movement on U.S. military policy and decision-making during this period.
  • The preparedness movement had a significant impact on U.S. military policy and decision-making in the early 20th century. The movement was a driving force behind the passage of the National Defense Act of 1916, which significantly increased military spending and personnel. The movement also influenced the decision-making of President Woodrow Wilson, who initially resisted calls for U.S. involvement in World War I but ultimately led the country into the conflict in 1917, citing the need to protect American interests and promote democracy globally. The preparedness movement's emphasis on military readiness and power projection shaped the U.S. government's approach to foreign policy and national security during this period.
• Evaluate the broader social and political implications of the preparedness movement, particularly in the context of the United States' emergence as a global power.
  • The preparedness movement had far-reaching social and political implications for the United States as it emerged as a global power in the early 20th century. The movement's emphasis on military strength and readiness reflected a broader shift in American attitudes towards the country's role in the world, with many citizens and policymakers embracing a more assertive, interventionist foreign policy. This shift was driven by a sense of American exceptionalism and a belief in the country's duty to spread its values and influence globally. The preparedness movement also contributed to the rise of militarism and jingoism in American society, which had the potential to undermine democratic principles and civil liberties. Ultimately, the preparedness movement was a significant factor in shaping the United States' trajectory as a global superpower, with both positive and negative consequences for the country's domestic and international affairs.

Related terms

Militarism:

The belief that a country should maintain a strong military capability and be prepared to use it aggressively to defend or promote national interests.

Jingoism:

An extreme form of patriotism characterized by a belligerent foreign policy, a belief in the superiority of one's country over others, and a willingness to go to war.

Isolationism:

The policy of avoiding political or economic entanglement with other countries, often by refusing to participate in international organizations or alliances.