This episode explores the history of American social reformers' global campaign against prostitution, focusing on the period from the late 19th to the early 20th centuries. Against the backdrop of the post-Civil War era and the rise of American imperialism, the concept of "sexual exceptionalism" emerged, portraying American morals and laws on sex as superior. More significantly, this ideology intertwined with American expansionism, as seen in the Philippines, where the U.S. initially replicated existing systems of regulated prostitution before facing criticism from reformers. As the discussion pivoted to World War I, the American Social Hygiene Association played a pivotal role in shaping military policy, leading to the "American Plan," which involved widespread arrests and harsh treatments of women. For instance, the implementation of this plan in Puerto Rico served as a testing ground, revealing its violent and experimental nature. Ultimately, these ideas, despite the U.S.'s initial non-participation, became embedded in the League of Nations and later the UN, influencing global anti-trafficking efforts and continuing to shape U.S. and international law today. This reveals how a specific American ideology on sexuality profoundly impacted global policies and practices related to prostitution and sex work.
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