ww1

Central Powers

The alliance in World War I that included Germany, Austria, Hungary, and the Ottoman Empire.

Allied Powers

The alliance in World War I that included Great Britain, France, Russia, and later Italy.

Woodrow Wilson's Neutrality

Wilson proclaimed neutrality to keep the US out of WWI, despite sympathizing with the Allied powers.

Unrestricted Submarine Warfare

Germany's naval policy of attacking ships without warning, considered a threat to US neutrality.

Lusitania

A British passenger ship sunk by a German submarine in 1915, killing over a thousand people, including 128 Americans.

Zimmerman Telegram

A secret telegram from Germany to Mexico proposing an alliance against the US, which helped push the US into WWI.

American Expeditionary Forces (AEF)

The US forces sent to Europe during WWI, which played a limited role in combat but decisively contributed to Allied victory.

Selective Service Act

The act passed by Congress that instituted a military draft during WWI, creating an army of about 3 million.

Fourteen Points

Wilson's proposal for post-war peace that included self-determination, disarmament, and the establishment of a League of Nations.

Treaty of Versailles

The treaty that ended WWI, which imposed heavy reparations and penalties on Germany.

Espionage Act of 1917

Legislation that made it illegal to interfere with military operations or support enemies during WWI.

Sedition Act of 1918

Legislation that prohibited anti-government speech and actions during WWI.

Shank v. United States

A Supreme Court case that established the government's right to restrict free speech if it poses a clear and present danger.

Red Scare

A period of widespread fear of communism and radical leftist influences in the United States after WWI.

Great Migration

The movement of millions of African Americans from the rural South to urban areas in the North and West during WWI.

American Protective League

A group formed during WWI to monitor and report on German-American communities for disloyal behavior.

Palmer Raids

A series of government actions in 1919-1920 to arrest and deport radical leftists and immigrants.

Black Wall Street

The affluent African American community in Greenwood, Tulsa, known for its successful businesses before the 1921 massacre.