What does it mean to “make the world safe for democracy”?
I’m supposed to be answering an essay question on why the United States entered World War 1. I wrote in my notes that Woodrow Wilson wanted to “make the world safe for democracy”, but I have no idea what that means. Could anyone clarify what this meant? As in, how could entering a war make the world safe for democracy? Thank you! (:
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In those days, the US was a country that wanted a democracy, where people governed themselves and pretty much left the rest of the world alone. We also expected the rest of the world to leave us alone.
When you have governments that are bent on taking over other countries, starting pre-emptive wars to take another countries resources, like oil, then it is not a safe world for a country that pretty much just wants to go about its business.
Think of the US at that time as being a little like the Amish of today. They live in their communities, dress how they want, worship as they choose, and reject modern conveniences. They also reject violence and war. They just want to be left alone to raise their families and live a decent life.
When a “super-power” or a dictator appears on the scene, you have countries that won’t leave other countries alone. In world war II you had Germany trying to take over Europe.
The world isn’t safe for anyone when you have powerful nations that are willing to start wars.