World War I and Its Causes

16 Questions

What event in 1898 led to the Spanish-American War?

Sinking of the USS Maine in Havana Harbor

What was the main purpose of the Monroe Doctrine?

To prevent European colonization in the Americas

What was a major cause of World War I?

Nationalism and competition for colonies

Which alliance did the United States initially join in World War I?

Allies

What was the initial stance of the United States at the outbreak of World War I?

Neutrality

What was NOT a direct cause of the United States' entry into World War I?

Sinking of the USS Maine

What was the outcome of the Spanish-American War in terms of U.S. territories?

Gain of control of Puerto Rico, Guam, and Philippines

What was the name of the alliance formed by France, Russia, and Britain to counterbalance the growing power of Germany?

Triple Entente

What was the underlying sentiment that contributed to the tensions between European powers before WWI?

Nationalism

Which of the following countries eventually joined the Allies in World War I?

United States

What was the spark that led to the outbreak of World War I?

Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand

What was the name of the ship sunk by a German U-boat in 1915, killing over 1,000 civilians, including 128 Americans?

Lusitania

What was the main goal of the League of Nations established by the Treaty of Versailles?

To promote international cooperation and prevent future wars

What was the name of the telegram that attempted to persuade Mexico to declare war on the U.S. in 1917?

Zimmermann Telegram

What was one of the harsh penalties imposed on Germany by the Treaty of Versailles?

Significant reparations to Allied countries

What event marked the official entry of the U.S. into WWI?

U.S. declaration of war on Germany in 1917

Study Notes

Spanish-American War

Fought between the United States and Spain in 1898
Causes:
- Cuban independence movement against Spanish rule
- Sinking of the USS Maine in Havana Harbor, blamed on Spain
Outcomes:
- U.S. gained control of Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines
- Emergence of the United States as a global power
- Beginning of American imperialism

Monroe Doctrine

Announced by President James Monroe in 1823
Stated that the Western Hemisphere was closed to further European colonization
Warning to European powers to not intervene in the Americas
Established the United States as the protector of the Americas
Marked the beginning of American expansionism and imperialism

Causes of WWI

Nationalism: competition for colonies and territories
Imperialism: competition for resources and markets
Militarism: buildup of military forces and alliances
Alliance system: complex network of entangling alliances

Triple Entente vs Allies

Triple Entente: France, Russia, and Britain
Allies: United States, France, Britain, and Russia (after 1917)
Original alliance system: complex network of entangling alliances
Shift in alliances after Russia's withdrawal and U.S. entry into the war

U.S. Entry to WWI

Initial neutrality: U.S. attempted to maintain neutrality
Causes of U.S. entry:
- Sinking of the Lusitania and other passenger ships by German U-boats
- Germany's resumption of unrestricted submarine warfare
- Zimmermann Telegram: Germany's attempt to ally with Mexico against the U.S.

Treaty of Versailles

Signed on June 28, 1919
Imposed harsh penalties on Germany, including:
- Reparations: massive war debt repayment
- Territorial losses: loss of colonies and territory
- Military restrictions: limitations on German military size and capabilities
Established the League of Nations: precursor to the United Nations
Failed to prevent the rise of Nazi Germany and the outbreak of WWII

Test your knowledge of the events leading up to World War I, including the Spanish-American War, the Monroe Doctrine, and the complex alliances that led to the Great War. Learn about the causes of US entry into the war and the Treaty of Versailles.

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