APUSH Vocab Chapter 30

“Doughboys”

The nickname for American soldiers in World War I. Many were young and inexperienced when they arrived in Europe. Their arrival boosted Allied morale.

Urban Race Riots

Broke out in several U.S. cities after World War I. Tensions rose due to job competition and racial discrimination. These riots revealed deep racial divisions in American society.

Zimmerman Note

A secret message sent by Germany to Mexico in 1917. It promised Mexico land in the American Southwest if it joined Germany against the U.S. When the note was revealed, it angered Americans and pushed the U.S. toward war.

November 11, 1918

The day World War I officially ended. Fighting stopped at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. The date became known as Armistice Day.

Paris (Peace) Conference

A meeting after World War I where the victorious Allied nations set the terms for peace. President Wilson attended to promote his Fourteen Points. The conference resulted in harsh punishments for Germany.

General John J. (Black Jack) Pershing

The commander of the American Expeditionary Forces in World War I. He insisted American troops fight as a separate army rather than joining European units. His leadership helped the U.S. gain respect among the Allies.

League of Nations

An international organization proposed by Wilson to prevent future wars. It aimed to encourage cooperation and peaceful conflict resolution. The U.S. Senate ultimately refused to join.

George Clemenceau

The French prime minister during the Paris Peace Conference. He wanted harsh punishment for Germany to protect France from future attacks. His views conflicted with Wilson’s more idealistic goals.

Treaty of Versailles

Officially ended World War I. It placed full blame for the war on Germany and forced it to accept heavy reparations and military limits. The treaty caused lasting resentment and instability in Europe.

National War Labor Board

Created to prevent labor strikes during World War I. It encouraged cooperation between workers and employers. The board helped improve wages and working conditions temporarily.

IWW and the “Wobblies”

A radical labor union that supported workers’ rights. The government viewed them as dangerous during wartime. Many members were arrested or silenced for opposing the war.

Sheppard-Towner Maternity Act

Provided federal funding for maternal and infant health care. It aimed to reduce high infant mortality rates. It was one of the first federal welfare programs.

George Creel

Led the Committee on Public Information during World War I. He used posters, speeches, and propaganda to build public support for the war. His work shaped how Americans viewed the conflict.

Jeanette Rankin

The first woman elected to Congress. She voted against U.S. entry into World War I. Her stance showed strong commitment to pacifism.

Espionage Act

Made it illegal to interfere with the war effort or draft. It limited free speech by punishing anti-war actions. The law was controversial for restricting civil liberties.

Schenck v. US

Upheld the Espionage Act. The Court ruled that free speech could be limited during wartime if it posed a “clear and present danger.” It set limits on First Amendment rights.

Counsil of National Defense

Coordinated industrial and military resources during World War I. It helped mobilize the economy for war. The group increased federal power over production.

National Anthem Women Suffrage

A major organization fighting for women’s right to vote. During World War I, it supported the war effort to gain political support. Its efforts helped lead to the 19th Amendment.

Herbert Hoover

Led food conservation efforts during World War I. He encouraged Americans to voluntarily reduce consumption. His success later helped him become president.

Henry Cabot Lodge

A powerful U.S. senator who opposed the League of Nations. He feared it would limit American independence. His opposition helped block U.S. membership.

Warren G. Harding

Elected president in 1920. He promised a “return to normalcy” after World War I. His presidency marked a shift away from progressive reform.

James M. Cox

the Democratic candidate in the 1920 presidential election. He supported Wilson’s League of Nations. He lost to Harding by a large margin.