State Historical Society of Iowa

"Iowa Senators Have Defenders" Newspaper Article, March 7, 1917

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Courtesy of Library of Congress, "Iowa Senators Have Defenders," Evening Times-Republican, 7 March 1917

Description

This article that appeared in the Evening Times-Republican, a newspaper from Marshalltown, Iowa, outlined support for Iowa's senators in opposing the armed neutrality bill, which would have armed US merchant vessels. The bill passed in the House, but failed in the Senate sparking outrage by some in Iowa. This outrage led to actions in the Iowa House. The article outlines both sides of the conflict and provides a text of the "Rayburn Resolution" proposed in the Iowa House.

Transcript of "Iowa Senators Have Defenders" Article

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Source Dependent Questions

  • What was the main argument against the armed neutrality bill?
  • What American ideals were Senators Cummins and Kenyon accused of not upholding by some constituents?
  • How did this bill show a departure from the original Neutrality Proclamation in 1914? What events had occurred prior to this point that would have shifted public opinion? Use evidence to support your response.

Citation Information

"Iowa Senators Have Defenders," Evening Times-Republican, 7 March 1917. Courtesy of Library of Congress Courtesy of Library of Congress