U.S. Involvement in WWI and Foreign Policy

Unrestricted submarine warfare

A German naval policy that led to the sinking of ships without warning, contributing to U.S. entry into WWI.

Lusitania

A British ocean liner whose sinking by a German U-boat helped sway American public opinion towards entering WWI.

Zimmerman Telegram

A secret communication from Germany proposing a military alliance with Mexico against the U.S., which contributed to U.S. entry into WWI.

Fresh troops

Newly recruited soldiers sent by the U.S. to support Allied forces during WWI, helping to break the deadlock.

Isolationism

A foreign policy approach favored by some Americans post-WWI to avoid involvement in international conflicts.

Moral example

The ideal that the U.S. should lead other nations by setting a positive moral standard rather than through military force.

Neutrality

The policy adopted by the U.S. to avoid alliances and conflicts during the early stages of WWI.

British propaganda

Information disseminated by Britain to influence American public opinion in favor of the Allies during WWI.

Porfirio Díaz

The Mexican leader from 1876-1911 known for his authoritarian rule and encouragement of foreign investment.

Francisco Madero

The revolutionary leader who overthrew Díaz but was assassinated, leading to further instability in Mexico.

Victoriano Huerta

The general who took power in Mexico after Madero's assassination, whose government was not recognized by Wilson.

Tampico Affair

An incident in April 1914 where American sailors were arrested in Mexico, prompting U.S. military intervention.

Pancho Villa

A Mexican revolutionary leader supported by the U.S. who later attacked U.S. citizens, leading to military action.

General John J. Pershing

The U.S. general sent into Mexico in 1916 to capture Pancho Villa after his attacks on American citizens.

Caribbean intervention

U.S. military actions in the Caribbean under Wilson aimed at protecting the Panama Canal and promoting democracy.

Haiti occupation (1915)

The U.S. military intervention in Haiti to restore order following the assassination of the Haitian president.

Dominican Republic occupation (1916)

The U.S. occupation of the Dominican Republic due to fears of German influence, lasting until 1924.

Long-term impact of U.S. interventions

The lasting effects of U.S. military actions in Latin America, which shaped regional politics and U.S. relations.

Colossus of the North

A term used by Latin Americans to express resentment toward the U.S.

Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand

The event that sparked World War I on June 28, 1914.

Gavrilo Princip

The Serbian nationalist who assassinated Archduke Ferdinand.

Bosnia's desire for independence

Bosnia sought self-rule instead of Austrian control.

Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes

What Bosnia became part of after the war.

Triple Alliance

The alliance of Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy during WWI.

Triple Entente

The alliance of France, Russia, and Great Britain during WWI.

Schlieffen Plan

Germany's plan to invade Belgium to attack France, provoking Britain.

Britain's declaration of war

Britain declared war on Germany after Germany violated Belgium's neutrality.

Propaganda in WWI

Used to shape public opinion, encourage enlistment, and demonize the enemy.

Wilson's initial response to WWI

He issued a proclamation of neutrality.

American neutrality difficulties

Economic ties with the Allies and German submarine warfare created tensions.

Trade Trigger

American banks loaned money to the Allies, creating financial interests in their victory.

German U-boats

They targeted ships, disrupting trade and violating international law.

Lusitania

A ship sunk by a German U-boat, killing 1,198 people, including 128 Americans.

U.S. reaction to Lusitania sinking

It turned public opinion against Germany, pushing the U.S. closer to war.

Sussex Pledge

Germany promised to follow international law regarding submarine warfare.

Wilson's 1916 campaign slogan

"He kept us out of war."

Breaking diplomatic relations with Germany

Caused by Germany resuming unrestricted submarine warfare in 1917.

Selective Service Act

Required men to register for the draft to raise an army for WWI.

African Americans in WWI

They served in various military roles, though in segregated units.

U.S. economy management during the war

Agencies controlled prices, rationing, and production.

American support for the war effort

They conserved food, grew Liberty Gardens, and bought war bonds.

Wilson's vision for post-war peace

His Fourteen Points called for self-determination, free trade, and a League of Nations.

Treaty of Versailles controversy

It blamed Germany entirely for the war and imposed heavy reparations.

U.S. Senate's response to the League of Nations

The Senate rejected it, fearing it would entangle the U.S. in future conflicts.

Events bringing the U.S. into the European war

Unrestricted submarine warfare, the sinking of the Lusitania, the Zimmerman Telegram, and economic ties with the Allies.

How did the United States help bring the war to a successful conclusion?

By providing fresh troops, financial support, and resources, and participating in key battles like the Meuse-Argonne Offensive.

What were the competing attitudes of Americans following the war?

Some supported Wilson's idealism and the League of Nations, while others favored isolationism and rejected the Treaty of Versailles.

How did President Wilson's idealism differ from his international intervention?

He wanted the U.S. to lead by moral example rather than military conquest but ended up intervening in Mexico and the Caribbean.

How did the United States try to avoid entanglement in the war?

By declaring neutrality, avoiding alliances, and restricting trade with belligerents, though economic ties with the Allies grew.

What events led many Americans to support the Allies?

The sinking of the Lusitania, German aggression, economic connections with Britain and France, and anti-German propaganda.

Why did Wilson refuse to recognize the government of Huerta in Mexico?

Wilson opposed 'government by murder' after Huerta assassinated his predecessor, Francisco Madero.

What two countries in the Caribbean did the United States intervene in during Wilson's presidency?

Haiti and the Dominican Republic.

What German invasion brought Great Britain into World War I?

The invasion of Belgium.

What was Woodrow Wilson's campaign slogan in the election of 1916?

'He kept us out of war.'

Why was America's neutrality considered 'pro-Allies'?

The U.S. traded heavily with the Allies, loaned them money, and faced restrictions from the British naval blockade.

How did Wilson respond to the sinking of the Lusitania?

He issued strong warnings to Germany but avoided immediate war. Critics argued that stronger action was needed.

What were some ways Americans supported the war effort at home?

They conserved food ('Meatless Mondays,' 'Wheatless Wednesdays'), planted Liberty Gardens, and bought war bonds.

What event led Wilson to break diplomatic ties with Germany?

Germany's decision to resume unrestricted submarine warfare.

What conditions on the Eastern Front in 1918 made U.S. involvement crucial?

Russia's withdrawal after the Bolshevik Revolution left the Allies weakened, requiring fresh American troops.

What was the largest and costliest American military campaign in WWI?

The Meuse-Argonne Offensive.

Why was the phrase 'Lafayette, we are here' significant?

It honored France's help in the American Revolution and symbolized U.S. support in WWI.

What was the effect of American troops on the war's outcome?

They boosted Allied morale, halted the German offensive, and helped launch the final counterattack.

Who were the 'Big Four' at the Treaty of Versailles?

Woodrow Wilson (U.S.), David Lloyd George (Britain), Georges Clemenceau (France), Vittorio Orlando (Italy).

What two provisions of the Treaty of Versailles angered Germany the most?

The war guilt clause and the requirement to pay huge reparations.

What was the difference between the 'irreconcilables' and 'reservationists' regarding the Treaty of Versailles?

Irreconcilables opposed it entirely, while reservationists wanted modifications before ratification.