World War I: Causes and U.S. Involvement

Questions and Answers

What were the main countries involved in the Triple Entente?

Germany

Russia (correct)

France (correct)

Great Britain (correct)

What event started World War I?

Assassination of Archduke Ferdinand

What is the definition of neutrality?

A position of not taking sides in a conflict

What was the name originally given to the First World War?

Great War Signup and view all the answers

What was the Lusitania?

A ship sunk by a German submarine in 1915 Signup and view all the answers

The causes of the Great War include: militarism, alliances, _____, and nationalism.

imperialism Signup and view all the answers

What were the causes of U.S. entry into World War I?

Sinking of RML Lusitania and the Zimmerman Telegram Signup and view all the answers

What is trench warfare?

A form of warfare where opposing armies fight from trenches Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of the Zimmerman Telegram?

To get Mexico to attack the U.S. Signup and view all the answers

What did the draft / Selective Service Act require?

Men to register for military service Signup and view all the answers

What does nativism refer to?

Favoring native-born people over foreign-born people Signup and view all the answers

What was the American Protective League known for?

'Hate the Hun' Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of the Committee on Public Information?

To produce propaganda to build support for the war Signup and view all the answers

What did the Espionage & Sedition Acts do?

Banned expressing false opinions Signup and view all the answers

What are war bonds?

Certificates sold by the U.S. government to pay for the war Signup and view all the answers

What were the 14 Points?

President Woodrow Wilson's plan for organizing post-World War I Europe Signup and view all the answers

What was the Influenza Pandemic of 1918-1919?

A flu-like epidemic that killed more than 20 million people worldwide Signup and view all the answers

What was the League of Nations?

An international organization formed in 1920 to promote cooperation and peace Signup and view all the answers

What was the Treaty of Versailles known for?

Its harsh reparations towards Germany after World War I Signup and view all the answers

What is the Red Scare?

A period of general fear of communists Signup and view all the answers

What was the Red Summer of 1919?

Racial tension resulting in violence in over 25 cities Signup and view all the answers

What is the Great Migration?

Movement of African Americans from the South to the North for jobs Signup and view all the answers

What were the strikes of 1919 about?

Women's rights and representation in politics Signup and view all the answers

What caused the race riots of 1919?

Demands for equality and desire to maintain the status quo Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

World War I and Its Causes

Triple Entente: A military alliance formed by Great Britain, France, and Russia before World War I.
Assassination of Archduke Ferdinand: The event that triggered WWI, carried out by a Serbian nationalist.
Causes of the Great War: Key factors include militarism, alliances, imperialism, and nationalism.

U.S. Involvement in the War

Causes of U.S. Entry:
- Sinking of the Lusitania in 1915 killed 139 Americans, leading to pressure on Germany to cease submarine warfare.
- The Zimmerman Telegram urged Mexico to attack the U.S. in exchange for German support, further escalating tensions.

Warfare Tactics

Trench Warfare: Combat method where opposing armies occupy fortified trenches, leading to a stagnant front and high casualties.
Submarine Warfare: Primarily involved German U-Boats targeting Atlantic supply convoys to Britain.

Domestic Reactions and Policies

Draft / Selective Service Act: Mandated registration of men for potential military service, facilitating troop mobilization.
Nativism and "Hyphenated Americans": Preference for native-born citizens over immigrants, leading to societal tensions.
American Protective League: Nativist organization that targeted perceived "disloyals" during the war effort.

Information Control

Committee on Public Information: Government body created to disseminate propaganda, fostering public support for the war.
Espionage & Sedition Acts: Laws restricting dissent and false statements about the war, affirmed by the Supreme Court in Schenk v. United States.

Financial Aspects of War

War Bonds / Liberty Bonds: Certificates sold by the government to finance military operations during WWI.

Post-War Impact and Agreements

14 Points: Proposed by President Wilson, outlined a framework for peace and formation of the League of Nations post-WWI.
Influenza Pandemic (1918-1919): A deadly outbreak claiming over 20 million lives globally, exacerbating post-war challenges.

International Relations

League of Nations: Established in 1920 to foster international cooperation and maintain peace.
Treaty of Versailles: Notorious for imposing heavy reparations on Germany following WWI, reshaping European borders and politics.

Red Scare: Period marked by widespread fear of communism and threats to American ideals.
Red Summer (1919): Nationwide racial tensions leading to violence in multiple cities, driven by demands for equality and resistance to change.
Great Migration: Movement of African Americans from the rural South to industrial North seeking jobs and better living conditions.
Strikes of 1919: Women's movements for political rights highlighted broader social issues in the aftermath of the war.
Race Riots of 1919: Resulted from racial discord and economic disparities, leading to significant violence and destruction across various American cities.

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Description

Explore the multifaceted causes of World War I, including the formation of military alliances and pivotal events like the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand. Dive into the reasons for U.S. entry into the war and the impact of warfare tactics such as trench and submarine warfare.