KARL GOETZ MEDALS. Germany - United States. Woodrow Wilson/American Neutrality Cast Bronze Medal, 1915. Munich Mint. CHOICE MINT STATE. Kienast-149. 57mm. By Karl Goetz. Obverse: Bust of U.S. president Woodrow Wilson facing slightly right, wearing laurel wreath and stole decorated with imperial eagle of Germany and double eagle of Austria-Hungary; Reverse: Uncle Sam seated left on canon balls, presenting battleship and holding bag of money [$]100[,]000; canon in background. Edge: K-GOETZ. Warm yellow-brown surfaces, with charming relief and detail.<p><em>Following the outbreak of the European conflict that would become the world s first war, the United States immediately wanted to refrain from entering into the fray, with President Woodrow Wilson declaring that America would have a policy of strict and impartial neutrality. What was expressed publicly by the government, however, didn t match private sentiments, with numerous American institutions lending financial support to the Allies, giving the United States a stake in the outcome. After the sinking of the </em>Lusitania <em>in 1915, sentiments shifted even further, with increased support of not only continuing financial aid, but also outright entry into the growing conflict. This medal pokes fun at Wilson s neutrality as seen from the German point of view, with Uncle Sam handing over money and munitions to Germany s enemies.</em> From the Richard Jewell Collection.
