Harding Signs Knox–Porter Resolution
July 2nd, 1921
July 2nd, 1921

How Long Ago?
103 years, 8 months, 12 days ago
Location
Washington D.C., United States
Category
Politics & Government
War/Conflict
World War I
People
- Warren G. Harding
Links & References
Tags
Harding Signs Knox–Porter Resolution
U.S. President Warren G. Harding signed the Knox–Porter Resolution, formally ending the state of war between the United States and Germany. This resolution came after World War I, marking an official conclusion to hostilities and restoring diplomatic relations between the nations. It was a significant step toward peace and reconciliation following the turmoil of the war, signaling the nation's return to normalcy.
Marked end of state of war with Germany.
Signed to restore diplomatic relations.
Reflects America's trend towards isolationism.
Followed ratification by Congress earlier in 1921.
What Happened?
The Knox–Porter Resolution was a joint resolution passed by the United States Congress to formally end the state of war with Germany post-World War I. Signed by President Warren G. Harding, the resolution officially terminated the war that had been declared in April 1917. The Senate ratified this resolution on March 19, 1921, followed by the House of Representatives on June 30, 1921. Harding's signing was a key moment, representing not just the end of military conflict but also a re-establishment of peace and normal diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Germany. It is noteworthy that this resolution was signed without a treaty, which was significant given the context of the Treaty of Versailles and the growing desire among Americans for a step away from European entanglements.
The resolution's signing had broader implications in American society as well. Harding advocated for a return to normalcy following the war, which resonated with a populace weary from military engagement and the dislocation caused by the war. It also marked the initiation of a new foreign policy approach for the U.S., focusing more on internal development and less on international commitments, which would characterize much of the interwar period. This articulation of American foreign policy increasingly steered the nation away from the League of Nations, of which many Americans were skeptical.
The resolution also encountered challenges and was subject to criticism, particularly from those who supported the League of Nations and a more engaged American role in international affairs. Nonetheless, it set the stage for a redefined geopolitical landscape in the years following the war and influenced the future of U.S.-European relations as the country grappled with its identity in a rapidly changing world.
Why Does it Matter?
The Knox–Porter Resolution's signing is significant as it marked a decisive move toward American isolationism following its involvement in World War I. This trend would have lasting effects on U.S. foreign policy and its approach to global conflicts, setting the tone for future debates over international involvement. The move reflected the national sentiment of wanting to focus on domestic issues while reshaping the U.S.'s role in world affairs, a theme that would play out throughout the 1920s and beyond.
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