World War I: Heart Of The Progressive Era

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World War I started in the heart of the Progressive era. The Progressive era was a time of efficiency, economic growth, and skill. By “1914 [the United States had] produced over one-third of the world’s manufactured goods,” (Foner, 680) making the U.S. “the leading industrial power” (Foner, 680). Europeans had already “complained of an “American invasion” of steel, oil, agricultural equipment, and consumer goods” (Foner, 680). At this time, America had both the economy and population to produce enough soldiers, supplies, and money to win any war. Due to Woodrow Wilson’s intelligent manipulation, propaganda, and an organized selection of words, going to war seemed as easy as promised. To Wilson, war was a successful way to spread Democracy and