I found it interesting that during a time of war women from all over the world, even the "belligerent nations", found it important to meet and advocate a non-violent method of conflict resolution. Jane Addams, the president of the Women's Peace Party, was amongst these women. After attending the International Congress of Women she wrote a letter to President Wilson expressing her concern with his call for increased military preparedness. She believed that "to increase our fighting equipment would inevitably make all other nations fear instead of trust us,". She saw the U.S. as a role model for other countries and that a non-violent method would move other countries to do the same. Although, the U.S. did eventually enter the war, Addams letter and ideas on peace have had a lasting effect on future generations. Her efforts for peace did not stop after her letter to Wilson. She later helped Herbert Hoover with the American Relief Administration after the war.
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It's always interesting to see how people outside of Wilson's administration viewed the US entrance into WWI. It remains one of the most controversial political decisions in part because both sides of the argument make legitimate claims. I think Jane Addams' concern over how other "poorer" nations would view America's actions regarding WWI is particularly significant. In current US foreign relations it remains important for the US to understand both direct and indirect impacts of its actions. Additionally, while many were concerned primarily with the how participation in the war would affect America's well-being, Addams shows an understanding for the immense international impact America would have. Although Wilson was also concerned with international impact, his concerns were based largely in the his desire to advance the League of Nations. Wilson's aims were certainly noble but his failed policies have shown us that war is probably not the most efficient way to push progressive reform.
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