U.S. History Unit 3, Module 7: WW1

According to Jeanette Rankin, why did she vote against the declaration of war in WWI?

She believed war was wrong and that women should not send men to fight and die in war.

What were the four long-term causes of WWI?

Militarism (building up armies), Alliances (countries agreeing to protect each other), Imperialism (competing for colonies and resources), and Nationalism (extreme pride in one's country).

Why did the assassination of Franz Ferdinand and Sophie lead to war?

Austria-Hungary blamed Serbia and declared war, causing other countries to join because of their alliances.

Where did Germany begin its war offensive and what happened there?

Germany invaded Belgium to reach France. Belgium resisted, and Britain joined the war.

Why did the war in Europe become a stalemate?

Trench warfare and powerful defensive weapons made it difficult for either side to advance.

Why did U.S. trade with Britain and France increase while trade with Germany decreased?

Britain and France controlled the seas, while the Allied blockade prevented Germany from trading easily.

What was an Unterseeboot?

A German submarine used to attack enemy and neutral ships.

What was the Lusitania?

A British passenger ship sunk by a German submarine in 1915, killing about 1,200 people, including 128 Americans.

What was the Sussex Pledge?

Germany's promise not to sink passenger or merchant ships without warning.

What was the Zimmerman Note?

A secret German message asking Mexico to join Germany in a war against the United States in exchange for territory.

Why did the Allies reject Wilson's call for "peace without victory"?

They wanted Germany punished, to receive compensation, and to prevent Germany from becoming powerful again.

What were three reasons the U.S. entered WWI?

Germany resumed unrestricted submarine warfare, the Zimmerman Note threatened the U.S., and America had strong economic ties to the Allies.

How did events in Russia in 1917 lead the U.S. to enter the war?

Russia's czar stepped down and was replaced by a provisional government, making the Allied cause seem more democratic.

Who was the "Ace of Aces"?

Eddie Rickenbacker, America's leading fighter pilot in WWI.

How did the U.S. mobilize a strong military during WWI?

It passed the Selective Service Act, drafted millions of men, and trained soldiers.

How did WWI affect the U.S. economy?

Factories increased production, jobs became more available, wages rose, and government spending increased.

What was the AEF?

The American Expeditionary Forces, led by General John J. Pershing, were American troops sent to Europe to fight alongside the Allies while maintaining their own command.

What new weapons made fighting in WWI deadlier?

Machine guns, poison gas, tanks, airplanes, submarines, and heavy artillery.

How did American troops help the Allies break the stalemate?

Fresh American troops, supplies, and resources strengthened the Allies and helped push German forces back.

What did Sergeant York do that got him so much attention?

He captured 132 German soldiers during one battle and became a war hero.

What happened at the eleventh hour, on the eleventh day, of the eleventh month of 1918?

An armistice went into effect, ending the fighting in WWI.

How did the U.S. government finance the war and direct public support?

It sold Liberty Bonds, raised taxes, used propaganda, and encouraged citizens to support the war.

Why did the government regulate industrial and food production?

To make sure factories produced enough war supplies and food for soldiers and civilians.

How did the war affect recent immigrants in the U.S.?

Many experienced discrimination and suspicion, especially immigrants from countries associated with the Central Powers.

What events during the war undermined civil liberties?

The Espionage Act and Sedition Act restricted freedom of speech and punished people who criticized the war.

What was the Great Migration?

The movement of millions of African Americans from the rural South to Northern and Midwestern cities to find jobs and escape racial discrimination.

What happened in 1918–1919 that had echoes in 2020–2021?

The Spanish flu pandemic, which spread worldwide and killed millions of people.

What did the Supreme Court decide in Schenck v. United States?

The Court ruled that speech creating a clear and present danger could be restricted and upheld Schenck's conviction for distributing anti-draft leaflets.

What were the goals of the Fourteen Points and the League of Nations?

The Fourteen Points aimed to create lasting peace through open diplomacy, free trade, self-determination, and reduced weapons. The League of Nations aimed to prevent future wars and settle international disagreements peacefully.

How did Wilson's goals for peace differ from those of other Allied leaders?

Wilson wanted a fair and lasting peace without harsh punishment, while other Allied leaders wanted to punish Germany and receive compensation.

What were the major effects of the Treaty of Versailles?

Germany accepted responsibility for the war, had to pay reparations, lost territory and colonies, and had its military reduced. The League of Nations was also established.

How did Wilson's support for the League of Nations stand in the way of Senate support for the Treaty of Versailles?

Many senators feared the League would force the U.S. into future wars and limit America's independence, so the Senate refused to ratify the treaty.