Unit 1: World War I and the 1920s

Political polarization

When political ideas move away from the middle and become more extreme.

Political scale

The range of political views, going from reactionary on one end to radical on the other.

Reactionary

A political view at the far-right end of the scale that wants to go back to how things were in the past.

Radical

A political view at the far-left end of the scale that wants immediate and total change in society.

Isolationism

A foreign policy where a country stays out of foreign conflicts and minds its own business.

Interventionism

A foreign policy where a country gets actively involved in world affairs and foreign wars.

Causes of World War I

Rising tensions in Europe caused by:

1. military build-ups

2. secret alliances

3. empire building

4. intense national pride.

Reasons for U.S. entry into World War I

1. The sinking of the Lusitania

2. Protecting international trade

3. The Zimmermann telegram

Selective Service Act

A law that forced men between $21$ and $30$ years old to sign up for the military draft.

Conscientious Objectors

People whose religious or moral beliefs do not allow them to fight in wars

Espionage Act of $1917$

A law that allowed post offices to ban anti-war or disloyal mail and newspapers.

Sedition Act of $1918$

A law that made it illegal to speak or write bad things about the U.S. government, flag, or military.

War Industries Board

A government agency that controlled factory production, prices, and supplies during the war.

Committee on Public Information (CPI)

A government group that created posters and propaganda to convince Americans to support the war.

The sinking of the Lusitania

The German attack on a British ocean liner that killed over 1,0001,000 people, including 128128 Americans, turning U.S. public opinion against Germany.

Protecting International Trade

A major economic reason for entering World War I, ensuring American merchant ships could travel and trade safely on the seas.

Zimmerman Telegram

A secret message from Germany proposing an alliance with Mexico against the United States, pushing America to join the war.

Who is an example of Conscientious Objectors?

Quakers

Actions at home that contradicted national freedoms

1. Espionage and Sedition Acts: Violated First Amendment freedom of speech and press by outlawing anti-war criticism and censoring printed materials.

2. Selective Service Act: Restricted individual liberty and personal freedom by forcing citizens into military service through a compulsory draft.

3. Slacker Raids: Infringed on civil liberties and constitutional rights to due process through warrantless detentions and mass interrogations of suspected draft evaders.

Actions at home that supported national freedoms

1. Mobilizing Total Resources: Government coordination through the War Industries Board ensured the U.S. could effectively fight to protect global democracy and national independence.

2. Voluntary Civic Participation: Food Administration programs (e.g., Meatless Tuesdays) allowed citizens to voluntarily support and protect American soldiers fighting for freedom abroad.

3. Defending Global Rights: Raising troops and materials enabled the nation to defend vital international rights, such as freedom of the seas and safe international trade.