Answers to Your History Questions:

1. The Roosevelt Corollary and Latin America

• The Roosevelt Corollary: An extension of the Monroe Doctrine, announced by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1904. The Monroe Doctrine warned European powers against interfering in the Western Hemisphere. The Roosevelt Corollary added the twist that the U.S. might intervene in Latin American affairs to “chronic wrongdoing” or instability that could threaten U.S. interests.
• Impact on U.S.-Latin American Relations: This policy fostered resentment in Latin America. It gave the U.S. a justification for military interventions in countries like Panama, Nicaragua, and the Dominican Republic. These interventions were often seen as protecting U.S. economic interests at the expense of local sovereignty. The Corollary reinforced the perception of the U.S. as a domineering power in the region.

2. The Paris Peace Conference and the Treaty of Versailles

• Paris Peace Conference (1919): Held after WWI to determine the fate of defeated Central Powers (Germany, Austria-Hungary, Ottoman Empire, Bulgaria). The victors (U.S., Britain, France) dominated the negotiations.
• Treaty of Versailles (1919): The main treaty with Germany placed harsh penalties, including territorial losses, disarmament, and massive reparations payments.
• Results of the Treaty:
  • Germany: The harsh terms of the treaty humiliated and economically burdened Germany, contributing to resentment and instability that ultimately fueled the rise of Nazism.
  • League of Nations: Established as a body to prevent future wars, but lacked the power to enforce its decisions due to the U.S. refusal to join.
  • New Nations: The Austro-Hungarian and Ottoman Empires were dissolved, creating new nations in Eastern Europe and the Middle East. However, these new nations often struggled with ethnic and religious tensions.
• Lasting Peace?: The Treaty of Versailles failed to establish a lasting peace. The resentment it caused in Germany, coupled with the League of Nation’s weakness, paved the way for World War II.

3. Opposition to the 1920s Cultural Changes

• Groups Opposing Change:
  • Fundamentalists: Emphasized a literal interpretation of the Bible and traditional values. They opposed the growing secularism, new fashions, and perceived moral decline of the 1920s.
  • Prohibitionists: Opposed the consumption of alcohol, which they believed led to social problems.
• Methods of Opposition:
  • Religious Revivalism: Fundamentalists launched preaching campaigns and promoted stricter religious education.
  • Prohibition Legislation: The 18th Amendment banned alcohol sales, but enforcement proved difficult.
  • Censorship: Efforts to restrict the sale and distribution of books, movies, and music deemed immoral.
• Flashpoints:
  • Scopes Trial (1925): A teacher was prosecuted for teaching evolution in Tennessee, highlighting the clash between religion and science.
  • Prohibition: The difficulty of enforcing the ban and the rise of organized crime associated with bootlegging (illegal alcohol sales).

4. Relief and Recovery Policies of the 1st New Deal

• Relief:
  • Direct Relief: Programs provided food, clothing, and shelter to the unemployed and impoverished. (e.g., Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) created jobs for young men)
  • Social Welfare Programs: Established Social Security to provide financial assistance to the elderly and unemployed.
• Recovery:
  • National Recovery Administration (NRA): Aimed to stimulate economic activity through government spending on infrastructure projects and encouraging businesses to raise wages and hire more workers.
  • Agricultural Adjustment Act (AAA): Sought to raise agricultural prices by paying farmers to reduce crop production.

5. Accomplishments and Failures of the New Deal

• Accomplishments:
  • Relief for Millions: Provided much-needed assistance to the unemployed and impoverished during the Great Depression.
  • Government Regulation: Increased government intervention in the economy to prevent future crises.
  • Social Safety Net: Established a foundation for a social safety net with programs like Social Security.
• Failures:
  • Limited Impact on Depression: The Depression continued throughout the 1930s despite New Deal programs.
  • Racial Inequality: New Deal programs often excluded African Americans and other minorities.
  • Federal Deficit: The cost of New Deal programs significantly increased the federal debt.
• End of the Great Depression: The exact cause of the Depression’s end is debated, but World War II mobilization is often cited as a major factor. The New Deal helped alleviate suffering and undoubtedly played a role in