American Past.
Chapter 22 Discussion Questions
22-1:
1. Why did the editors believe that war was "the last of the great battles for Freedom and
Democracy"?
The editors believe that it was the last of great battles for freedom and democracy because it
was Germany's most crucial approach towards maintaining peace with United States in which
they had to reduce assassinations conducted through ambush at sea. Additionally, they
considered it as such, since they perceive war as a means to protect the United States' self-
respect. The writers point out that, the United States generated unrest during the battle,
however, the president failed to acknowledge by such impact. Consequently,
through participating in the war, United States would retain its idea of autonomy and power
during the period. It argues, that it owes it's forefathers and fathers who founded and saved the
Country, to establish themselves not only capable of the pleasure flowing from abundance, but
willing and courageous in favor of free life and complete independence [124]. Therefore, war
was favored by the authors as immediate equality and a prosperous democracy. Nevertheless,
while Germany declared a state of war towards the United States, the United States aimed for
the achievement of peace with Germany.
2. According to the editors, what were the advantages and disadvantages of going to war?
Regarding the possibility of war indicated multiple prevailing advantages and also
limitations. From dominance to significant benefits, the editors regarded warfare as anything
but a curse, to them it presented a blessing. According to the book, war would provide prestige,
sovereignty, and democracy. The editors reported that, such intervention would favor the
country holistically, as such, indicating satisfaction emerges through wealth and equality. The
advantages of going for a war were that there would be no more assassination against innocent
and harmless citizens in high seas, the United States would regain its self-respect, agreements
would be kept, and burning villages and enslavement would no longer take place. Nevertheless,
the disadvantages were significantly inclined towards loss of lives, since many would die during
the war. For instance, the editor recons that ending the war would save millions of precious
lives. Additionally, while citizens would benefit, the Military would bear the cost. Some
congressional representatives were timorous because their fair constituents did not raise their
boys to be soldiers or, speaking more precisely and less agreeably, to fight for their country.
They were not cowards it is only that they were raised up in fair constituents.
3. Why was cooperation between government and private enterprise so important? How would
it affect the war and the expected peace?
The cooperation between the government and the private enterprises is very important because
it boosts democracy, thus developing influence and the desire achieve ends which would be
beyond their reach, if acting individually. Additionally, it avoided monopolies and offensive
trusts. Notably, the editors identified it as the only “rational and effective method...” that would
bring a sense of democracy among corporations. The text states that this would “enable us
successfully to defend ourselves and to improve our opportunities in the era of restored peace
which will presently come to the world (126).” It is the only rational and effective method of
securing industrial and commercial efficiency which will enable a successful defense and also
improve opportunities in the era of restored peace, which would develop across the world.
22-2:
1. What is the significance of Debs slogan "Vote as you strike and strike as you vote?
Debs' slogan, "Vote as you strike and strike as you vote," championed for a fair status. He
explains that, irrespective of their situation, ethnicity, or gender, everyone retains a voice, which
requires respect. Moreover, his socialist concept brings birth to a notion of equality across the
society. He asserted that, the minority are capable of standing up for a belief and defending a
cause. Therefore, the slogan illustrated that a cause can result to a difference in war as well as
the difficulties encountered during the period.
2. Why did Debs object to Wilson's pledge that the war would make the world safe for
democracy?
Debs objects to Wilson’s pledge since he thought that conflict was a much larger threat to
democracy. He outlines that war might generate a climate of injustice and democracy amongst
people, thus compelling them to follow the patriotic values adopted by the government. Debs
explains that Wilson’s strategy was, in reality, a nemesis of civilians since they could exploit that
control to facilitate the government instead of the society as a whole. It was therefore that
ideology that placed Debs against Wilson's pledge (129)
22-3:
1. What was the soldier most afraid of? Why? What did he mean by the term, "the cause"?
Fear was a significant factor in the conflict, originating from, the challenging conditions, as well
as the qualifications required. While, a soldier dreaded the war, it was getting branded
a "yellow" that most dreaded. Indicating that when a soldier was unable to execute their duties
because of panic, other combatants would have shunned them. Consequently, a soldier
acknowledges that casualties were not in vain, since the fallen soldiers had committed their all
towards the achievement of the cause. That very "cause" reflects the struggle for democracy
throughout America (131).
2. To what extent did the soldiers' combat experiences seem different from his prewar life? Dis
his prewar experiences and expectations seem to influence his life as a soldier?
The soldier would have to withstand a new war experience. It's evident that their former life
was transformed by the present world they were experiencing. For example, the uncertainty of
death was a new phenomenon that they became aware of each day. Consequently, the military
person needed to become used to the viciousness and weapons to an extent that they were less
concerned with their pre-war experience. Nevertheless, the experiences and ambitions of the
soldier before the war would just bring them the misfortune or the truth of the conflict. These
thought appeared apparent, when they experienced the war (133).
Comparative Questions:
In what ways did the editors of the North American Review's arguments about American war
aims differ from Deb's views?
The editors of the North American Review’s arguments about American war aims differ from
Deb’s views because the North American Review advocated freedom through war. In contrast,
Deb believed that war only benefitted the government rather than the people. The editors of
the North American Review observed war as a way to obtain “our own self-respect.” However,
Deb focused on the minorities and the high power the government had over them. For Deb, the
war was solemnly beneficial to the government as he believed that the government took
patriotism as power rather than American equality. As such, these arguments originated from an
outlook on war- both seek for freedom but differed in strategies
How does the doughboy's letter reinforce or dispute the pro-war stance conveyed in the
North American Review?
The letter presents the pro-war position expressed by the North American Review since they
articulate aspects of the achievement of democracy by war. Both texts indicated that America
required battling to defend its national sovereignty. Moreover, they viewed war as unavoidable
and also the United States ought to maintain its authority and defend its people. The
doughboy’s letter explores a soldier's outlook of war, as he struggles through an imminent war.
Similarly, the North American Review articulates the potentials of war in protecting the United
States' prosperity. Therefore, doughboy, through the letter, emphasizes the pro-war stand
expressed in the North American Review.
