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​Overview of Seminar

  William T. Walker of the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library will deliver four talks covering compelling topics related to World War I, President Woodrow Wilson, and the involvement of the United States in the war.  Power point presentations will be incorporated throughout the seminar,  and audience participation, questions and debate are encouraged.

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​​CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST ~ 8:30 AM​

 Pool area main house - Graylyn Conference Center​

 

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​TOPIC I:  THE WORLD TRANSFORMED - Overview of WWI

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WWI was the most influential event of the 20th century.  The conflict transformed civilization.  

The Great War continues to affect the world in which we live, and its influence will extend well into the foreseeable future.

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MID MORNING BREAK  ​

Beverages and light snacks provided



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TOPIC II:  THE PATH TO U.S. INTERVENTION ​



President Woodrow Wilson opposed U.S. entry into WWI, because of the effects the nation suffered during the Civil War.  He believed violence could not settle any issue, and if nations were forced to accept settlements, the results would not be permanent.



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NOON LUNCH BREAK

Buffet soup and sandwiches provided in main living area of Graylyn Conference Center



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TOPIC III:  WWI TRENCH WARFARE AND NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN WEAPONS AND TACTICS​



By 1914, the development of deadly defensive weapons and tactics had far outpaced that of offensive weapons and tactics.  The military history of WWI can best be understood as a search to develop offensive weapons and techniques that could enable successful attacks against firmly entrenched enemies.​





MID AFTERNOON BREAK​

Beverages and light snacks provided​

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TOPIC IV:  THE 14 POINTS AND THE PARIS PEACE CONFERENCE​

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President Wilson believed the only way to ensure world peace was to establish an organization to settle international disputes.  In order to create the League of Nations, Wilson was willing to compromise deeply

held personal and political ideals.  Tragically, his compromises undermined the success of the organization in which he had invested so much hope.​



 

 

 

 CONCLUSION OF SEMINAR - 5 PM