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Questions and Answers
Who were the leaders known as the Big Four at the 1919 Paris Peace Conference?
Who were the leaders known as the Big Four at the 1919 Paris Peace Conference?
What was the primary contribution of Dr. William Gorgas in Panama?
What was the primary contribution of Dr. William Gorgas in Panama?
What was the significance of the 1854 Treaty of Kanagawa for Japan?
What was the significance of the 1854 Treaty of Kanagawa for Japan?
What does the principle of self-determination advocate?
What does the principle of self-determination advocate?
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What does the concept of 'White Man’s Burden' imply?
What does the concept of 'White Man’s Burden' imply?
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What notable military unit was known as the Harlem Hellfighters?
What notable military unit was known as the Harlem Hellfighters?
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What was a key objective of the League of Nations?
What was a key objective of the League of Nations?
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How much did the U.S. pay for Alaska, and what was its significance?
How much did the U.S. pay for Alaska, and what was its significance?
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What was the main purpose of the Platt Amendment regarding Cuba?
What was the main purpose of the Platt Amendment regarding Cuba?
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What event triggered the start of World War I?
What event triggered the start of World War I?
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What characterized labor conditions during World War I?
What characterized labor conditions during World War I?
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What was a significant impact of the 1918 influenza pandemic?
What was a significant impact of the 1918 influenza pandemic?
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What was Theodore Roosevelt's role concerning the Philippines?
What was Theodore Roosevelt's role concerning the Philippines?
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Why did Kaiser Wilhelm II abdicate the throne in November 1918?
Why did Kaiser Wilhelm II abdicate the throne in November 1918?
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What led to General Pershing's strategy of independent U.S. operations in World War I?
What led to General Pershing's strategy of independent U.S. operations in World War I?
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What was a consequence of the U.S. intervention in the Mexican Revolution?
What was a consequence of the U.S. intervention in the Mexican Revolution?
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What characterized battles during World War I?
What characterized battles during World War I?
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What was the purpose of propaganda during WWI?
What was the purpose of propaganda during WWI?
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What was a primary reason for the U.S. victory in the Spanish-American War?
What was a primary reason for the U.S. victory in the Spanish-American War?
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What did the Selective Service Act authorize during World War I?
What did the Selective Service Act authorize during World War I?
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What was the primary effect of the Sussex Pledge violation?
What was the primary effect of the Sussex Pledge violation?
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What was a major factor in the opposition of socialists to WWI?
What was a major factor in the opposition of socialists to WWI?
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Study Notes
The Big Four
- The Big Four comprised the Allied leaders at the 1919 Paris Peace Conference: Woodrow Wilson (US), David Lloyd George (UK), Georges Clemenceau (France), and Vittorio Orlando (Italy).
- These leaders significantly shaped the Treaty of Versailles, ending WWI and reshaping European politics.
Dr. William Gorgas
- Dr. William Gorgas, a US Army physician, was pivotal in eliminating yellow fever and malaria in Panama during canal construction.
- His work enabled the canal project and saved countless lives.
Japan Before and After 1854
- Pre-1854 Japan, under the Edo period, had limited foreign contact.
- The 1854 Treaty of Kanagawa forced Japan to open trade with the west, kicking off modernization and its rise as a global power.
Self-Determination
- Self-determination, championed by Woodrow Wilson, is the principle that nations/peoples have the right to determine their own sovereignty and political standing without external influence.
- This ideal gained prominence post-WWI, especially relating to decolonization.
White Man's Burden
- Rudyard Kipling's "White Man's Burden" promoted the idea of Western powers' moral responsibility to civilize and rule non-white populations.
- This concept justified imperialism and colonialism.
Harlem Hellfighters
- The 369th Infantry Regiment, an all-Black US regiment in WWI, fought under French command.
- Known for exceptional bravery, they were among the most decorated American units.
President Wilson and His Significance
- Woodrow Wilson, the 28th US President, was a leading figure in WWI.
- He advocated for the League of Nations, promoted self-determination, and proposed the 14 Points peace plan.
Isolationism
- Isolationism, a dominant US foreign policy position before and after WWI, focused on avoiding involvement in international affairs, particularly European conflicts.
League of Nations
- The League of Nations, an international body founded after WWI, sought to prevent future wars under Wilson's 14 Points.
- The US did not join due to internal opposition.
Importance of Alaska
- Alaska was purchased from Russia in 1867 for $7.2 million.
- It became strategically vital for defense and resource extraction, especially oil.
Platt Amendment
- The 1901 Platt Amendment restricted Cuban sovereignty after the Spanish-American War.
- It allowed US intervention and leased land for bases, notably Guantanamo Bay.
Archduke Franz Ferdinand
- Archduke Franz Ferdinand's assassination in 1914 triggered WWI by activating a complex web of European alliances and military escalations.
Labor Conditions During WWI
- WWI spurred improvements in labor conditions, due to war production demands.
- However, workers faced long hours, poor conditions, and low wages.
- Labor unions gained traction.
Influenza Epidemic
- The 1918 influenza pandemic, also known as the Spanish flu, spread worldwide, killing millions, including many returning WWI soldiers.
- It profoundly impacted global health.
President Roosevelt and the Philippines
- Theodore Roosevelt presided over the Philippine-American War (1899-1902) after the US annexed the Philippines following the Spanish-American War.
- US control lasted until 1946, with Roosevelt promoting American influence in Asia.
President Cleveland and Hawaii
- Grover Cleveland opposed annexing Hawaii in 1893 after US settlers overthrew the Hawaiian monarchy.
- However, Hawaii was annexed in 1898 under McKinley's presidency.
German Emperor Abdicates
- Kaiser Wilhelm II abdicated in 1918, ending the German Empire and ushering in the Weimar Republic after Germany's WWI defeat.
German Peace Offensive
- Germany launched offensives on the Western Front in 1918, hoping to break the stalemate before US forces fully arrived.
- These eventually failed, leading to surrender.
Buffalo Soldiers
- Buffalo Soldiers were African-American soldiers who served in the US Army after the Civil War.
- Known for bravery and skill particularly in the Western frontier.
U.S. and Mexico
- US-Mexico relations were strained by the 1846-48 Mexican-American War, US intervention during the Mexican Revolution, and General Pershing's 1916 Punitive Expedition pursuing Pancho Villa in Mexico.
Victoriano Huerta
- Victoriano Huerta seized power in Mexico in 1913 through a coup.
- His autocratic rule faced opposition from the US and Mexican revolutionary factions.
Spanish-American War
- The 1898 Spanish-American War pitted the US against Spain.
- The US gained control of territories like Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines, enhancing its status as a world power.
General Pershing’s Strategy
- General John J. Pershing led American forces in WWI, emphasizing offensive strategies and coordinating with Allied forces.
- He favored independent US operations rather than integrating with British and French commands.
Selective Service Act
- The 1917 Selective Service Act allowed the US government to draft soldiers for WWI.
European Expectations of WWI
- Europe initially anticipated a brief, decisive war.
- They were unprepared for the prolonged trench warfare, substantial casualties, and the war's devastating impact.
Propaganda
- Governments employed propaganda during WWI to galvanize public support, cultivate nationalism, and demonize the enemy. Techniques included posters, films, and speeches.
Battleship Maine
- The USS Maine exploded in Havana Harbor in 1898, which indirectly triggered the Spanish-American War.
- Later investigations determined the explosion was likely accidental, not a Spanish attack.
WWI Battles
- WWI battles were characterized by horrific trench warfare, heavy casualties, and the use of new technologies like machine guns, poison gas, tanks, and planes.
- Combat deaths and disease were the leading causes of loss across the conflict.
Sussex Pledge
- Germany's 1916 Sussex Pledge pledged to halt unrestricted submarine warfare after sinking the French passenger ship, the Sussex.
- Subsequent violations led to US involvement in WWI.
Taft vs Roosevelt
- In 1912, Theodore Roosevelt challenged incumbent William Howard Taft for the presidency, splitting the Republican vote.
- This enabled Woodrow Wilson's Democratic victory.
General Weyler and Cuba
- Spanish General Valeriano Weyler was deployed to Cuba in the 1890s to suppress Cuban rebels.
- His harsh tactics, including concentration camps, attracted widespread international criticism, bolstering the Cuban independence movement.
Socialists Opposition to the War
- Socialists like Eugene Debs opposed WWI, arguing it was an imperialist conflict benefiting the wealthy elite at the expense of the working class.
U.S. Democracy
- The US's self-image of a democratic bastion was challenged by critics highlighting racial inequality, imperialism, and wartime violations of civil liberties, particularly the Espionage Act.
Disease in Panama
- Disease, particularly yellow fever and malaria, significantly impacted the Panama Canal construction workforce.
- Dr. William Gorgas implemented measures to control mosquito populations, drastically reducing disease transmission.
Russian Revolution
- The 1917 Russian Revolution led to the overthrow of the Romanov dynasty and the rise of a communist government under Lenin.
- Russia exited WWI, setting the stage for the Soviet Union.
The Panama Canal
- The Panama Canal connected the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. It was completed in 1914, revolutionizing global trade and military transport.
Boxer Rebellion
- The 1900 Boxer Rebellion in China was an anti-imperialist uprising against foreign influence.
- The US participated in the international military response that suppressed the rebellion.
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Description
Explore key events and figures that shaped the 20th century, including the impact of the Big Four at the Paris Peace Conference, Dr. William Gorgas' contributions to public health, Japan's transformation after 1854, and the principle of self-determination. This quiz tests your knowledge on these significant historical topics.
