On November 11, 1918, news of the armistice ending World War I fighting in Europe reached the United States. Spontaneous celebrations broke out in American cities as factory whistles blew and church bells rang. Millions of Americans had served overseas or in supporting roles at home, and the war had reshaped the country’s economy and global standing. President Woodrow Wilson framed the conflict as a struggle to make the world “safe for democracy” and soon promoted his Fourteen Points peace program. While hopes were high, the postwar period brought economic and social tensions, including inflation, labor unrest, and the Red Scare. The memory of the armistice and its promises influenced U.S. debates about foreign policy for decades.
