History Overview
In June 1914, Austro-Hungarian Archduke Franz Ferdinand was shot by Serbian nationalists in Sarajevo. As a result of the escalation of threats and mobilization orders following the assassination, in mid-August of that same year World War I began. A war which pitted Germany, Austria-Hungary and the Ottoman Empire (the Central Powers) against Great Britain, France, Russia, and Italy (the Allied Powers). The Allies were joined in 1917 by the United States of America. The Great War brought about unprecedented levels of carnage, due to its use of trench warfare and modern weaponry such as machine guns, tanks and mustard gas. By the time World War I ground to a halt in November 1918, approximately nine million soldiers had been killed and 21 million more wounded. The Treaty of Versailles, signed the following year, set post-war borders from Europe to the Middle East, established the League of Nations as an international peace organization, and forced Germany to pay for the war via reparations and the loss of territory.
PREPARE: Read the following excerpt from Woodrow Wilson’s speech (1), given on April 2, 1917, before Congress and the German government’s appeal to America not to enter the war on the Allied side (2):
1. We are now about to accept…battle with [Germany] and shall, if necessary, spend the whole force of the nation to check and nullify its pretensions and its power. We are glad, now that we see the facts with no veil of false pretense about them, to fight thus for the ultimate peace of the world and for the liberation of its peoples, the German peoples included: for the rights of nations great and small and the privilege of men everywhere to choose their way of life and of obedience. The world must be made safe for democracy. Its peace must be planted upon the tested foundations of political liberty. We have no selfish ends to serve. We desire no conquest, no dominion. We seek no indemnities for ourselves, no material compensation for the sacrifices we shall freely make. We are but one of the champions of the rights of mankind. We shall be satisfied when those rights have been made as secure as the faith and the freedom of nations can make them.
2. We [Germans] are a nation that wishes to lead a quiet and industrious life. This need hardly be stated to you Americans. You, of all others, know the temper of the German who lives within your gates. Our love of peace is so strong that it is not regarded by us in the light of a virtue; we simply know it to be an inborn and integral portion of ourselves. Since the foundation of the German Empire in the year 1871, we, living in the center of Europe, have given an example of tranquility and peace, never once seeking to profit by any momentary difficulties of our neighbors. Everyone is aware that we have produced great philosophers and poets; we have preached the gospel of humanity with impassioned zeal. America fully appreciates Goethe and Kant, looks upon them as corner-stones of elevated culture. Do you really believe that we have changed our natures, that our souls can be satisfied with military drill and servile obedience? We and all our soldiers have remained, however, the same lovers of music and lovers of exalted thought. We have retained our old devotion to peace. Firmly believing in the justice of our cause, all parties, the conservatives and Christians; liberals and the socialists, have joined hands. All disputes are forgotten, one duty exists for all, the duty of defending our country. The war has severed us from the rest of the world; all our cable communications are destroyed. But the winds will carry the mighty voice of justice even across the ocean. We trust in God, and have confidence in the judgment of right-minded men.
16 comments:
I think both of the excerpts are very well written, and are compelling for different reasons, but I think the most compelling speech is the one by Woodrow Wilson. The first excerpt is explaining to the American people why the country is entering the war. In this speech Woodrow Wilson portrays this act in a heroic way, a way in which the people feel proud of their country for entering the war. In a way that makes them feel the world is receiving a service from this action. That we are restoring man’s rights and bring justice. “We have no selfish ends to serve. We desire no conquest, no dominion. We seek no indemnities for ourselves, no material compensation for the sacrifices we shall freely make. We are but one of the champions of the rights of mankind.”
The German excerpt on the other hand pleads with the Americans not to enter the war. This excerpt does draw some sympathy from the reader, but I don’t think it is as compelling as Woodrow Wilson’s speech. One of the main reasons the Germans give to the Americans to not enter the war is because they are a peace loving country that contributes to and loves the arts. “Everyone is aware that we have produced great philosophers and poets;” They are not simply a war raging country. I feel like this point was is not enough to keep the Americans from entering the war. The Americans believed in justice, the rights of man, and bring swift peace to the world. From their perspective, the Germans are not bringing any of these things, even if they did love peace and the arts.
Woodrow Wilson’s speech and Germany’s appeal are both very compelling. However I believe the American excerpt is more effective. Wilson focus is on fighting “for the ultimate peace of the world and for the liberation of its peoples, the German peoples included: for the rights of nations great and small and the privilege of men everywhere.” By centering his speech on the peace of the whole world and not only on his own country, Wilson makes his words enticing to all. Germany, on the contrary, argues for the accomplishments in peace and philosophy made by their own country. The excerpt reads, “We have preached the gospel of humanity with impassioned zeal….Firmly believing in the justice of our cause, all parties, the conservatives and Christians; liberals and the socialists, have joined hands. All disputes are forgotten, one duty exists for all, the duty of defending our country.” While the German excerpt draws on feelings of patriotism, the American excerpt is more compelling for all people.
Both of these excerpts were intriguing, but Woodrow Wilson's was more compelling for me. He wanted " to fight thus for the ultimate peace of the world and for the liberation of its peoples,the German peoples included:..." This is very enticing to me. If all peoples were at peace, even Germany, then there might not have been a world war, possibly neither of the two that happened. With the German excerpt, their stand is for their country. "Firmly believing in the justice of our cause, all parties, the conservatives and Christians; liberals and the socialists, have joined hands. All disputes are forgotten, one duty exists for all, the duty of defending our country." If the Germans just wanted to defend their country, then everyone else could say the exact same thing and there wouldn't be any peace because everyone would be fighting for the same thing. So, would you rather have world peace or committed patriots who will fight to get their way? For me, it is easy. The American excerpt was much more compelling to me.
I believe both excerpts have their strong points, but I believe Woodrow Wilson's had a more compelling argument. Woodrow wrote, "...with no veil of false pretense about them, to fight thus for the ultimate peace of the world and for the liberation of its peoples, the German peoples included: for the rights of nations great and small and the privilege of men everywhere to choose their way of life and of obedience." The German's speech focused mostly on specific details of their own culture and history. I feel as though this speech could do exactly the opposite of what it was intended for. This speech drones on continuously of the beneficial things that have come from Germany, "Everyone is aware that we have produced great philosophers and poets; we have preached the gospel of humanity with impassioned zeal. America fully appreciates Goethe and Kant, looks upon them as corner-stones of elevated culture. Do you really believe that we have changed our natures, that our souls can be satisfied with military drill and servile obedience?" Even though these things may be true, as a reader I was actually somewhat annoyed by their "do-gooder" attitude. I felt as though this speech was full of complaints and "woe-to-me" types of comments.
On the other hand, Woodrow Wilson focuses on the entire world, not just the accomplishments of America. Wilson clearly proclaims the quest for peace without selfish ends or desires for domination. America was ready to do whatever it took to make the world as peaceful and safe as possible. "We are but one of the champions of the rights of mankind. We shall be satisfied when those rights have been made as secure as the faith and the freedom of nations can make them." In this speech America showed clearly that they were ready to buckle down do whatever it took to bring the world to it's best possible circumstances.
Woodrow Wilson focuses on the fact that America is joining the World War 1 to help serve the world as a whole, and not for our individual country’s gain. “Fight thus for the ultimate peace of the world and for the liberation of its peoples… for the rights of nations great and small and the privilege of men everywhere to choose their way of life and of obedience.” I believe that Wilson argues that we are fighting for equality and unity. While Wilson uses the hope for a better future to persuade the listener, the German speech focuses more on its own past and tradition, “[s]ince the foundation of the German Empire in the year 1871, we…have given an example of tranquility and peace, never once seeking to profit by any momentary difficulties of our neighbors. Everyone is aware that we have produced great philosophers and poets; we have preached the gospel of humanity with impassioned zeal.” The speaker talks about the good Germany has accomplished on its own, it is very patriotic. Despite acknowledging the good they have done, the speech takes on a more defensive, individualistic feel, while Wilson brings hope for a unified universe. It is because of this hope that Wilson brings that I am inclined to side with the American’s on this one.
Both America and Germany’s excerpts are fascinating because they use some similar reasoning. They both desire peace, justice, and to protect their country. They talk about their patriotism and how they don’t want to change their beliefs and ideals. However this is where the similarities end. Wilson stresses the American’s selfless in this matter of war, "We have no selfish ends to serve. We desire no conquest, no dominion. We seek no indemnities for ourselves, no material compensation for the sacrifices we shall freely make." America believes in equality and freedom for all the world and Wilson states that if they enter the world it will be with the goal of serving the “rights of mankind.” However, Germany’s speech focuses all on their beliefs and their hopes and defending their country. "All disputes are forgotten, one duty exists for all, the duty of defending our country….[we are]the same lovers of music and lovers of exalted thought. We have retained our old devotion to peace. Firmly believing in the justice of our cause…” Personally, I find American arguments more compelling because it stresses the importance of selflessly serving the world and making wise decisions based on”democracy” and on "peace planted upon the tested foundations of political liberty,” on the "rights of mankind” and "freedom of nations."
I too think that W. Wilson had the better speech and purpose in mind. He spoke about his desire for peace for the whole world and the rights of all "nations great and small," including Germany against whom he was about to enter into war against. That takes courage to wish good on your enemies. Wilsons's speech was a very open, humble statement about where the U.S. stood whereas the one from Germany was defensive. Practically begging America to look at what they are good at and why that should stop America from joining against them. It was a bad argument however because it was word without action. One can't say they are being peaceful while hitting someone on the head. The very last line doesn't help by stating that they trust in God yes, but also "in the judgment of right-minded men." Basically they reasoned out their side of the war was right, so America didn't need to get involved.
These excerpts deeply expose both nations' values and desires to their core. Neither side wished to engage in conflict, and both wished to maintain peace in their country for the good of their people. However, a tyrant leader rose in Germany who brought about the unwanted strife between both nations.
As Hitler began to pose threats and pick fights with several countries, other nations began to try to silence this threat to maintain peace. The ironic part is, everyone craves peace for their country, but not everyone agrees on how this peace should be attained. While some believe they should remain neutral and distant from the battlefield, others believe that world domination will result in their country's peace.
While England desired peace within its own borders, it also desired peace for all nations. "We have no selfish ends to serve. We desire no conquest, no dominion. We seek no indemnities for ourselves, no material compensation for the sacrifices we shall freely make... We shall be satisfied when those rights have been made as secure as the faith and the freedom of nations can make them." (1) As England involved itself with the war to achieve peace by silencing Germany, the Germans felt they only needed to defend their beloved country. "All disputes are forgotten, one duty exists for all, the duty of defending our country." (2) They too wished for peace within their borders, but knew they needed to protect those borders in order to attain peace.
Both countries wished to stray from conflict and maintain peace in their country for the good of their people. However, the military leaders in Germany were the ones who brought about the unwanted strife between both nations.
@Jake....wrong war. Hitler didn't come to power until 15 years AFTER World War I.
(Part 1) Firstly, I want to address the fact that because I am an American, my opinion on which excerpt was more compelling will be biased. All opinions are, of course, prone to some level of predisposition. That being said, American patriotism is an innate, essential quality ingrained in the American people since the Revolution in the 18th century. For this reason and many others which I will expound upon shortly, I find the excerpt from Woodrow Wilson’s speech more compelling than the German Government’s appeal.
The American selection clearly defines the purpose of the Americans as they prepare to enter the war. Patriotism, heroism, and sacrifice are themes that resound throughout the speech. Wilson promises that America had “no selfish ends to serve. We desire no conquest, no dominion. We seek no indemnities for ourselves…for the sacrifices we shall freely make. We are but one of the champions of the rights of mankind.” Wilson uses pathos to draw on the emotions of his listeners, and evokes feelings of pride and loyalty. He also implements the use of ethos by separating America from any personal gain. He focuses solely on how America’s entrance into the war would make the world as a whole a better place. He proclaims that it is a basic right of man to choose, and participate in democracy. Even the Germans were to benefit when all was said and done. America is portrayed as a protective older brother, willing to do whatever it takes for its people while also seeking to free other nations, that they too may have rights. This is a politician’s speech, through and through. But it works, because it draws on the deeply ingrained feelings of patriotism within the American people. Our freedom is something we all value and fiercely protect, even if we don’t consciously recognize it.
(Part 2)
The appeal from the German government takes an entirely different approach. The Germans argue that they simply want to lead quiet lives, loving peace and contributing to the arts. This excerpt primarily uses pathos, attempting to evoke sympathy. “Do you really believe that we have changed our natures, that our souls can be satisfied with military drill and servile obedience? We and all our soldiers have remained, however, the same lovers of music and lovers of exalted thought. We have retained our old devotion to peace.” They list their contributions to the world, and represent themselves as a docile people seeking justice. The final attempt at gaining sympathy as well as pressuring America comes in the final sentence of the excerpt: “But the winds will carry the mighty voice of justice even across the ocean. We trust in God, and have confidence in the judgment of right-minded men.” Using pathos, the German government uses inspirational-sounding language and subtly pressures the Americans into feeling sorry for them. The last sentence implies that if the Americans decide to enter the war on the side of the Allies, they would not be “right-minded”. This method of coercion is a classic “I’m sure you’ll make the right decision”. The German government represents itself as weak, delicate, and completely devoted to peace, but uses subtle threats to make its point clear.
Both speeches draw on emotion, yet argue on entirely different planes. The American excerpt draws on an already present emotion: patriotism. It promises to fight for the rights of mankind. The German selection attempts to create emotion by portraying the German people as peace-loving contributors to tradition. The American selection inspires, while the German speech has a more desperate, selfish, and mildly threatening feel. Again, my bias as an American is clearly involved in this criticism. In conclusion, I believe that the American excerpt is more compelling because it is built on innate feelings of patriotism and loyalty, stabilized in tradition. The German excerpt really has no stable foundation; it attempts to create emotion that really isn’t deeply rooted in anything. Yes, we can respect German contributions to philosophy, art, music, and more, but it simply isn’t enough to persuade me that America shouldn’t have entered the war with the Allies.
I think that Wilson's excerpt is more compelling. His speech focuses more on the idea of freedom and justice. While the Germans use more of a peace and intellectual benefit approach. Germany tries to show America how much it has provided to the world. And uses the excuse that it is just doing what it needs.
In 1917 the Allied forces were joined by the United States of America in the First World War. This reinforcement of troops, war machines and morale was a major gain for the Allied forces and it brought life, hope, and eventually a successful win in 1918. Two propositional speeches given by Woodrow Wilson and Germany had a major impact on the role America would play throughout the final years of WWI. On April 2, 1917 Woodrow Wilson stood before congress and provided clear reasoning on why America should not only join the war but in opposition of the central powers. He explained that America was not joining for selfish endeavors but “to fight thus for the ultimate peace of the world and for the liberation of its peoples, the German peoples included: for the rights of nations great and small and the privilege of men everywhere to choose their way of life and of obedience.” Wilson compelled all listeners to agree with his proposition because he promoted that all people should have the freedom to acquire a safe democracy and should be free from dominant yet immoral ideas. After Wilson gave his successful speech Germany’s government made an appeal to America hoping to make them reconsider entering the war as an allied force. But the reasoning behind Germany’s proposition seemed to lack the excitement and sound cognitive appeal Wilson’s speech had. Germany tried to feed America the idea that they had always been and always will be a country who pursues peace, prosperity, and the love of intellect; similar to America. The reason why Wilson’s proposition was more successful than Germany’s is dependent on what elements were highlighted in each speech. Wilson steams his speech off of the idea that America is not entering the war for personal gain but to allow all people to have liberty and the chance to live under a successful democracy. Throughout the speech Wilson embodies the idea of world peace; involving everyone, even Germany, therefore effectively providing something all could benefit from. Instead of taking the world into account, Germany focuses on the personal success of the country in attempts to give the idea the both Germany and America are quite similar. They focus on trying to find common ground with America. “America fully appreciates Goethe and Kant, looks upon them as corner-stones of elevated culture. Do you really believe that we have changed our natures, that our souls can be satisfied with military drill and servile obedience?” Germany is ultimately trying to persuade America that they have not left their “roots” of intellect, peace, prosperity, and liberty for all. But America saw through Germany’s silver lining and states that, “We are glad, now that we see the facts with no veil of false pretense about them.” Personally I believe that Wilson’s speech was more compelling because it shared true down to earth facts about how America was going to successfully impact the war and provide relief for all countries involved and around the world. Germany’s proposition lacked the zeal and drive that America had and therefore did not succeed in winning America over to the Central powers.
On April 2, 1917 Woodrow Wilson gave a speech to congress stating a declaration of war on Germany. In the speech, Wilson talks about how overall the United States wanted peace and liberty for all nations and peoples.
“…[We need] to fight thus for the ultimate peace of the world and for the liberation of its peoples…” After, trying to avoid having war the United States went to war hoping to help bring peace among allied forces and give freedom and democracy to peoples. As Wilson said in his speech, “we have no selfish ends to serve. We desire no conquest, no dominion. We seek no indemnities for ourselves, no material compensation for the sacrifices we shall freely make…we shall be satisfied when those rights have been made as secure as the faith and the freedom of nations can make them.”
The German government’s speech stated, “ We [Germans] are a nation that wishes to lead a quiet and industrious life… Our love of peace is so strong that it is not regarded by us in the light of a virtue; we simply know it to be an inborn and integral portion of ourselves.” Germany was also seeking for peace, freedom, and justice among people. The speech goes on to say ever since the German Empire began, German’s have displayed peace, acted peacefully with people, and do not look for ways in which they can take advantage of others. It also states that Germany nor its people have forgotten their traditional way of living, “ we have retained our old devotion to peace. Firmly believing in the justice of our cause, all parties, the conservatives and Christians; liberals and the socialists, have joined hands. All disputes are forgotten, one duty exists for all, the duty of defending our country.” I think both Woodrow Wilson’s speech and Germany’s speech seemed very persuasive and well written. In my opinion, I think Woodrow Wilson’s speech is more compelling. Although Germany’s and Wilson’s speech had many similar goals, seeking for peace, liberty, and freedom for their people. As Germany sates that they are the same as before still seeking peace for their people, it is their duty and important to defend and keep their traditions the same. Woodrow Wilson’s speech talks about fighting and hoping to bring peace, democracy, and freedom to all nations not just America.
The two excerpts don’t have much in common. America wants peace for the world and Germany claims they want peace for their country. Both want peace, but Germany just wants it for themselves. The Germans claimed to be “… a nation that wishes to lead a quiet and industrious life.” They don’t say anything about bringing peace to the rest of the world. This something that contrasts the two. They want peace for different people. America highlights the conflict on how much they are going to fight. They are fully committed. They aren’t out for personal gain, but will stop at nothing to ensure the German’s defeat. The Germans highlight the issue of America fighting for the Allied side. They try to pull on America’s heartstrings by referring to the Germans that live in America. They also say how they are a peaceful country who don’t want to fight. I find Woodrow Wilson’s speech more compelling because his seems more honest. He comes out saying what America plans to do. He is also explains it simply. This is something people are can understand and follow. The Germans excerpt, however, seems to be too sugary sweet. They stress just how peaceful they are and how they are a great influence on America. In a way, it seems like Germany it trying to make America feel indebted to them so America won’t fight.
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