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World War I

A global conflict that lasted from 1914 to 1918, involving many of the world's great powers.

Central Powers

A military alliance during World War I consisting of Germany, Austria-Hungary, the Ottoman Empire, and Bulgaria.

Allied Powers

The coalition opposing the Central Powers, including Great Britain, France, Russia (until 1917), Italy, Japan, and later, the United States.

Lusitania

A British passenger ship sunk by a German U-boat in 1915, killing 1,198 people and fueling anti-German sentiment in the U.S.

Sussex Pledge

A 1916 promise by Germany to the U.S. to stop unrestricted submarine warfare, later broken by Germany.

Wilson’s Pre-War Views

President Woodrow Wilson's initial policy to keep the U.S. neutral and promote moral diplomacy.

U-Boat

German submarines used during World War I to attack enemy ships, including civilian and neutral vessels.

Unrestricted Submarine Warfare

Germany’s policy of sinking all ships in war zones without warning, contributing to the U.S. entering the war.

Zimmerman Telegram

A secret German message proposing a military alliance with Mexico against the U.S., intercepted in 1917.

Committee on Public Information (CPI)

A government propaganda agency created in 1917 to build public support for the war effort.

George Creel

Head of the Committee on Public Information, who used propaganda to rally American support for the war.

Food Administration

A wartime agency led by Herbert Hoover that encouraged food conservation to support the war effort.

Herbert Hoover

Director of the Food Administration during World War I and later the 31st president of the United States.

Espionage Act

Laws that criminalized anti-war activities and criticism of the government during World War I.

Eugene Debs

Socialist leader and opponent of World War I, arrested for an anti-war speech.

Schenck v. United States (1919)

A Supreme Court case that upheld the Espionage Act and ruled that speech creating a clear and present danger is not protected.

Clear and Present Danger

A legal doctrine allowing restrictions on free speech if it poses an immediate threat to national security.

AEF (American Expeditionary Forces)

The U.S. military force sent to Europe in 1917, commanded by General John J. Pershing.

Quentin Roosevelt

Son of Theodore Roosevelt, served in the AEF, symbolizing American sacrifice during World War I.

Wilson’s 14 Points

President Wilson’s 1918 plan for peace, promoting self-determination, free trade, and a League of Nations.

Self-Determination

The right of ethnic groups and nations to govern themselves, a key principle in Wilson’s 14 Points.

Article X

A provision of the League of Nations covenant requiring member nations to defend each other in case of attack.

Treaty of Versailles (1919)

The peace treaty that ended World War I and imposed harsh penalties on Germany.

Senate Refuses to Ratify

U.S. Senate rejection of the Treaty of Versailles due to concerns over the League of Nations.

Irreconcilables

A group of U.S. senators who opposed the Treaty of Versailles and the League of Nations.

Reservationists

Senators led by Henry Cabot Lodge who were willing to support the Treaty of Versailles with amendments.

Henry Cabot Lodge

Republican senator and critic of Wilson, opposed the League of Nations for undermining U.S. sovereignty.

Russian Revolution (1917)

The overthrow of Russia’s czar, leading to the Bolsheviks' rise and the establishment of a communist government.

First Red Scare (1919-1920)

A period of intense fear of communism in the U.S. triggered by labor strikes and bombings.

A. Mitchell Palmer

U.S. Attorney General who led a crackdown on suspected communists during the First Red Scare.

Palmer Raids (1919-1920)

Government raids authorized by A. Mitchell Palmer aimed at arresting suspected radicals.

Territorial Losses

Penalties imposed on Germany by the Treaty of Versailles that involved losing significant land.

Military Restrictions

Limitations placed on Germany's military capabilities imposed by the Treaty of Versailles.

Heavy Reparations

Financial penalties imposed on Germany as part of the Treaty of Versailles.

Isolationists

Senators who opposed U.S. involvement in international affairs, leading to the rejection of the Treaty.

Propaganda

Information, especially of a biased or misleading nature, used to promote a political cause.

Morale

The confidence, enthusiasm, and discipline of a person or group at a particular time.

Civil Liberties

Individual rights protected by law from governmental interference.

Dissent

The expression of opinions that differ from previously established views.

Diplomacy

The profession, activity, or skill of managing international relations.

Communism

A political theory advocating class war and leading to a society in which property is publicly owned.

Radicalism

The beliefs or actions of people who advocate thorough or complete political or social reform.

Democracy

A system of government by the whole population, typically through elected representatives.