World War I to WWII: Key Events, Causes, and Impact on Society

Why did Wilson initially keep the U.S. neutral in World War I?

America wanted to avoid European problems and the population was divided.

What economic ties contributed to the U.S. abandoning neutrality?

The U.S. traded heavily with the Allies (Britain/France).

What was the Zimmermann Note and why was it significant?

Germany proposed that Mexico attack the U.S. if the U.S. entered the war, which made Americans view Germany as a direct threat.

What event shifted American public opinion towards war in 1915?

The sinking of the Lusitania, which killed 128 Americans.

What was the impact of U.S. entry into World War I in 1917?

The U.S. provided fresh troops and supplies, boosting Allied morale and tipping the balance against Germany.

What does total war mean in the context of World War I?

It required the entire society, not just soldiers, to contribute to the war effort.

How did women's roles change during WWI?

Women worked in factories and offices, proving their capability outside the home, which helped lead to the 19th Amendment.

What was the Great Migration during WWI?

African Americans moved from the South to the North for factory work, leading to the growth of Black urban communities.

What was the purpose of the War Industries Board (WIB)?

To control production during the war, determining what and how much was produced.

What were Wilson's 14 Points?

A proposal for peace without revenge, promoting self-determination and the League of Nations.

What was the Treaty of Versailles and its impact on Germany?

It blamed Germany for the war, imposed reparations, and reduced its military, leading to German resentment.

What was the League of Nations and why did it fail?

An international organization that was weak without U.S. support and unable to enforce decisions.

What characterized the economic boom of the 1920s?

Mass production and buying on credit, which created a fragile economy.

How did the automobile influence society in the 1920s?

It facilitated suburban living, increased teen independence, and changed dating norms.

What did flappers symbolize in the 1920s?

Modern women challenging traditional roles and behaviors.

What was the significance of the Harlem Renaissance?

It celebrated Black culture and identity, promoting pride and self-expression.

What were the main causes of the Great Depression?

Stock market crash, overproduction, excessive credit, and bank failures.

How did FDR's New Deal change government policy?

It established the government's responsibility to help people economically.

What was the purpose of the WPA in the New Deal?

To provide jobs for people in public works projects.

What was the impact of WWII on the U.S. economy?

Factories produced war goods, leading to the end of the Great Depression and a decrease in unemployment.

What was the significance of the D-Day invasion in 1944?

It opened a second front in Europe, forcing Germany to fight on two sides.

What were the main outcomes of the Tehran, Yalta, and Potsdam conferences?

Tehran planned D-Day, Yalta discussed rebuilding Europe, and Potsdam marked rising tensions between the U.S. and USSR.

What does 'watershed' mean in the context of WWII?

A major turning point that led to significant changes in global power, economy, society, and the beginning of the Cold War.