Chapter 5: World War I

Ms Gonzalez class

What event triggered WWI

The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary in June 1914.

What were the main causes of the WWI?

Militarism, Alliances, Imperialism, and Nationalism

What was militarism?

the belief that a nation should maintain a strong military capability and be prepared to use it aggressively to defend or promote national interest; led to an arms race among European powers prior to WWI.

Which countries were part of the Triple Alliance?

Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy.

Which countries were part of the Triple Entente

Britain, France, and Russia.

What were the alliances effects on militarism?

alliances increased the need for military build-up as each country promised mutual defense

What was the Balkan Crisis?

rising tensions in the Balkans where Serbia sought to unite Slavic groups; opposed by Austria-Hungary which led to increased nationalism and conflict in the region.

How did the war start after the assasination?

Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia, triggering a chain reaction of alliances

What was the trench warfare?

a deadly stalemate where opposing armies fought from extensive trench systems

What new technologies emerged in WWI?

Poison gas, tanks, aircraft, and submarines (U-Boats)

What were the main viewpoints on US involvements in WWI?

Isolationist (stay out) vs. interventionist (join allies) perspectives, with some advocating for neutrality while others pushed for support of the Allies.

What pushed the US into war?

Unrestricted Submarine warfare, the Lusitania Sinking, and the Zimmerman Telegram

What was the Selective Slave Act

a draft that recruited men for military service in Europe during World War I

What did the War Industries Board (WIB) do?

regulated war production and prices to ensure efficient resource allocation and support for the military effort.

How did the Food Administration encourage support?

encourage Americans to consume less and grow “Victory Gardens”

What was the purpose of the Committee on Public Information (CPI)?

to inform and influence public opinion on the war’s goals

What were Liberty Bonds?

Government bonds sold to raise money for the war effort

What were the conscientious objectors?

Individuals who refused military service on moral or religious grounds.

What was the Espionage Act?

A law passed in 1917 that imposed severe penalties for spying, sabotage, or obstructing the war effort.

What was the Sedition Act?

made it illegal to speak disloyally about the US government or military

How were German Americans treated during WWI?

faced prejudice. with names and symbols changed and some Germans harassed

What role did women play on the home front?

took over jobs traditionally held by men and served as nurses and workers overseas

What was the Great Migration?

the movement of African Americans to northern cities for factory jobs

Why did Mexican migrants come to the US during WWI?

to fill labor shortages in agriculture and factories

What was the convoy system?

groups of ships traveling together with warship protection to prevent U-boat attacks

What happened to Russia in 1917?

underwent two revolutions, the Bolsheviks took power, and Russia exited the war

What was the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk?

a treaty where Russia ceded territory to Germany and exited the war

Who led the American Expeditionary Force (AEF)?

General John J. Pershing

What battles did American troops fight in?

Battles of Marne, Chateau Thierry, Saint Mihiel, Meuse-Argonne, and Belleau Wood

When did WWI end?

November 11, 1918; with Germany’s surrender

What were Wilson’s Fourteen Points?

Wilson’s postwar vision promoting open diplomacy, free trade self-determination, and the League of Nations

What was the League of Nations?

an international organization proposed by Wilson to prevent future wars

What was the Treaty of Versailles

the peace treaty blamed Germany for WWI, demanded reparations, and redrew national boundaries

What new countries emerged after WWI?

Poland, Austria-Hungary, Czechoslovakia, Yugoslavia, and mandates in the middle east

What were irreconcilables and reservationstists?

senators who opposed the Treaty of Versailles either entirely or conditionally

Why did the US reject the Treaty of Versailles

Concerns about the League of Nations impacting US Sovereignty

What was the 1918-1919 flu pandemic?

a global outbreak that killed millions, including 675,00 Americans

Who were in the Central Powers?

Germany, Austria-Hungary, Ottoman Empire, and Bulgaria

Who were in the Allied Powers?

Britain, France, Russia, Italy (the USA joined in 1917 as the Russia left)

Who were the Harlem Hell fighters?

an all-Black U.S. infantry unit in WWI known for bravery and fighting under French command. They became one of the most decorated American units, with Henry Johnson awarded the French Croix de Guerre for heroism.