Podcast
Questions and Answers
What was the primary reason the Lusitania was attacked according to German officials?
What was the primary reason the Lusitania was attacked according to German officials?
What did William Jennings Bryan urge President Woodrow Wilson to do regarding American travel?
What did William Jennings Bryan urge President Woodrow Wilson to do regarding American travel?
What event prompted the urgent communications between Secretary of State Bryan and President Wilson?
What event prompted the urgent communications between Secretary of State Bryan and President Wilson?
How did Bryan's view on how to handle the sinking of the Lusitania differ from Wilson's?
How did Bryan's view on how to handle the sinking of the Lusitania differ from Wilson's?
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What was the public's reaction to Bryan's approach after the Lusitania sinking?
What was the public's reaction to Bryan's approach after the Lusitania sinking?
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What was one of the reasons for the division between Bryan and Wilson's administration?
What was one of the reasons for the division between Bryan and Wilson's administration?
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How long did it take for the Lusitania to sink after being torpedoed?
How long did it take for the Lusitania to sink after being torpedoed?
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What did Theodore Roosevelt call the sinking of the Lusitania?
What did Theodore Roosevelt call the sinking of the Lusitania?
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What was William Jennings Bryan's stance regarding America entering the war?
What was William Jennings Bryan's stance regarding America entering the war?
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Which military technologies were considered by some to contribute to barbarism during the Great War?
Which military technologies were considered by some to contribute to barbarism during the Great War?
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What was the primary reason for the United States' late entry into World War I?
What was the primary reason for the United States' late entry into World War I?
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What significant shift occurred in the U.S. position in global finance during the war?
What significant shift occurred in the U.S. position in global finance during the war?
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What was one domestic consequence of World War I in America?
What was one domestic consequence of World War I in America?
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How did the federal government respond to opposition during the war?
How did the federal government respond to opposition during the war?
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What was a key element of Woodrow Wilson's postwar vision?
What was a key element of Woodrow Wilson's postwar vision?
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What was the Senate's reaction to Wilson's appeal for U.S. membership in the League of Nations?
What was the Senate's reaction to Wilson's appeal for U.S. membership in the League of Nations?
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What was a significant effect of the Great War on European empires?
What was a significant effect of the Great War on European empires?
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What did many Americans feel about Wilson's promises at the end of the war?
What did many Americans feel about Wilson's promises at the end of the war?
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Study Notes
Lusitania Sinking and US Neutrality
- On May 7, 1915, the British passenger liner Lusitania was sunk by a German submarine, resulting in the deaths of 1,198 people, including 128 Americans.
- The sinking sparked heated debate within the US government.
- Secretary of State William Jennings Bryan advocated for US neutrality, urging Wilson to prevent Americans from traveling on belligerent ships.
- President Wilson refused.
- Wilson sent a protest note to Germany insisting on ending submarine warfare but did not ban American travel on belligerent ships.
- Ultimately, Bryan resigned in protest.
US Response to War
- The Lusitania sinking and submarine warfare highlighted the dangers of European conflict for the US.
- Despite public pressure, Wilson initially aimed to keep the US out of the war.
- US trade interests and military posture were prioritized over direct involvement.
- Wilson struggled with maintaining neutrality amidst the escalating conflict, especially in balancing British and German violations.
Wilson's Postwar Vision
- Wilson, during WWI, championed "making the world safe for democracy."
- Wilson pressed for American participation in the League of Nations to reform world politics following the war.
Impact on American Society
- The war intensified social divisions, with racial tensions, harassment of pacifists & German Americans, and government suppression of dissent.
- The Red Scare repressed radicals, tarnishing the nation's democratic image.
- The Progressive movement fragmented during the conflict.
War's Global Aftermath
- The war claimed an estimated 10 million soldiers' lives.
- European empires (German, Austro-Hungarian, Russian, and Ottoman) collapsed.
- European countries suffered significant economic damage.
- The US emerged as a major world power, transitioning from a debtor to a creditor nation, due to contributions during war and increased trade.
Concerns about US Involvement
- Many Americans questioned whether the US should enter the European conflict, citing the potential devastation of war.
- Some saw the sacrifice of neutral rights as a necessary step to keeping the US out of war.
- Wilson faced opposition from those pressing for decisive action against belligerent nations in Europe.
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Description
Explore the significant events surrounding the sinking of the Lusitania and the American government's response during World War I. Learn about the debates over neutrality and President Wilson's decisions in the face of escalating conflict. This quiz delves into the historical implications and the struggle to maintain US neutrality.
