World War I Causes and Context Quiz

The policy of remaining uninvolved in a conflict, especially war. The US initially declared neutrality in WWI, but eventually joined the Allies.

The act of preparing for war, typically through military buildup and training. Some Americans argued for preparedness to avoid being drawn into WWI, while others opposed it.

Information designed to influence public opinion, often used to promote a particular viewpoint or cause. British officials used propaganda during WWI to gain American support for the Allies.

The act of favoring one side over another. During WWI, American public opinion generally favored the Allies due to shared heritage and values.

The belief that an Allied victory would maintain a balance of power in the world. Some Americans supported the Allies because they believed an Allied victory was beneficial to US interests.

A policy of building up strong armed forces to intimidate and threaten other nations.

A feeling of strong pride in one's homeland and national identity.

Goods that are illegal to trade during wartime.

The process of one country expanding its power and influence through military control, economic domination, or annexation of other territories.

A system of agreements between countries, creating a network of mutual defense obligations.

The assassination of the heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, Archduke Franz Ferdinand, in Sarajevo, which triggered a chain of events leading to World War I.

The unification of Germany in 1871, which created a powerful new nation in Europe.

The belief that a country's interests are more important than those of others.

The use of force or violence to achieve political goals.

Senator Works' stance that the US should only intervene in World War I if Germany directly attacks the US.

The argument that Germany's ambition for world domination makes it a threat to democratic countries.

The sinking of the Lusitania, a British passenger ship, by a German U-boat in 1915, which resulted in the deaths of over 1,000 passengers, including 128 Americans. This event significantly influenced American public opinion and contributed to the country's eventual entry into World War I.

The policy of unrestricted submarine warfare adopted by Germany during World War I. This policy involved sinking any ship, including merchant vessels, without warning, regardless of nationality or cargo. This aggressive tactic angered the United States, leading to increased tensions and eventually war.

The Zimmerman Telegram, a secret diplomatic communication intercepted by British intelligence in 1917, proposed an alliance between Germany and Mexico. Germany promised Mexico the return of lost territories, including Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona, in exchange for Mexico's support. This revelation further inflamed American public opinion against Germany and solidified support for war.

The use of propaganda, biased or misleading information, during wartime to sway public opinion. During World War I, both the Allies and Central Powers used propaganda to garner support and demonize their enemies. The sinking of the Lusitania fueled British propaganda against Germany.

The US public's growing support for joining World War I following the sinking of the Lusitania and the implementation of unrestricted submarine warfare by Germany. These events led to increasing pressure on President Wilson to abandon neutrality and enter the war.

President Wilson's declaration of war on Germany on April 2, 1917, following Germany's disregard for warnings regarding unrestricted submarine warfare and the revelation of the Zimmermann Telegram. This marked the United States' entry into World War I.

The long-term effects of the sinking of the Lusitania on the course of World War I included increased anti-German sentiment in the United States, which ultimately led to the US joining the Allied forces. This strengthened the Allied position and contributed to the eventual defeat of Germany.

The political circumstances in Europe that led to the outbreak of World War I were complex. Tensions between European powers, fueled by nationalism, imperialism, and militarism, created a volatile environment. Alliances between nations meant that a conflict involving one nation could quickly escalate into a larger war. The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary in 1914 sparked a chain reaction that led to a global conflict.