imperialism/wo

In the mid-1800s, which countries were the imperial “powerhouses?” (before the United States was one)

• Spain

• France

• GB

• Belgium

• Portugal

• Germany

• Netherlands

Social Darwinism justified what?

It justified imperialism to many because they believed that ‘“survival of the fittest” applied to countries/cultures so the bigger and more powerful would take over and survive the smaller countries

Examples of yellow journalism

• Movies – Movies that depicted Germans to be villains.

• Political Cartoons – “We Want YOU”

• News articles exaggerating what was going on

Why did the United States expand overseas in the late 1800s?

• Profits

  • Natural resources

  • Bigger market

• Power

  • More land

  • Influence 

• Piety

  • Spreading religious ideas

  • ‘Civilizing the uncivilized’ 

Adjectives of what TR would value, TR’s approach to foreign policy

• Courageous (faced challenges), energetic (wanted to put in the effort), determined, patriotic, honorable (strong moral compass), adventurous (wasn't afraid to try something different), resilient (recovered quickly from setbacks), and innovative (forward thinking)

• Believed in demonstrating strength while negotiating peacefully, helped establish the US has a dominant power, panama canal, 

What is the significance of the US acquiring the Panama Canal?

It provided a military advantage since naval ships could cross between the two oceans quickly giving them the ability to respond quickly to threats, and the canal provided a quicker route for commercial ships boosting trade in control of the canal the US could look over and benefit from international trade boosting the economy. 

The four underlying causes of WWI and how they relate to each other

1. Militarism – build up of weapons

2. Alliances – 

   1. Central – Austria-Hungary, Germany, Ottoman Empire

   2. Allied – Serbia, Russia, France, Great Britain

3. Imperialism – tension between larger countries about other land

4. Nationalism – extreme love for a country to the extent of fighting for it and possibly killing 

The assassination of Franz Ferdinand as the immediate cause– how did it relate to the underlying causes?

The assassination highlighted nationalist tension, when Austria-Hungary announced war on Serbia these alliances that had been created all entered as well to defend their respective sides, many large countries had tensions over land they wanted to imperialize, and countries were ready to go to war with the new weapons.

Progression of American involvement.

America went from being somewhat neutral in the war while providing resources to the allied forces but they were being targeted slowly by submarine attacks on ships and the Zimmerman telegraph and with growing pressure from the public America eventually entered the war with the Allied forces

What was Wilson’s initial response to the outbreak of War? Why?

Wilson's initial response was to stay neutral because he believed America should stay clear of conflict and focus on promoting peace. This was because he wanted to protect American people and the economy for as long as he could.

To what degree was the U.S. neutral? Explain:

The U.S. was neutral in the sense that they weren’t directly involved or fighting in the war but they did help the allied forces with providing resources and money. So they weren’t per say neutral because they did take a side in the war but they were not fighting.

What was the significance of the Zimmerman Telegram?

The telegraph was from Germany to Mexico to suggest an alliance against the US promising to get back Mexico's land but it was intercepted by the British and given to the US which contributed to them entering the war. 

What was the reasoning Wilson gave for when we eventually joined the War?

He stated his reasoning as making the world ‘safe for democracy’ and he believed that the US had to fight autocratic governments to protect democratic ideas. America was also being threatened by the Zimmerman telegraph and German submarine attacks. 

What was the state of the War when the US entered?

The war was in a deadlock with both sides tired of war and they both suffered immense loss so with the US entering it helped break the deadlock.

What two factors made 1917 a turning point year for WWI?

Russia had left the war as a result of the Russian Revolution and the US entered the war. Russia leaving gave Germany the ability to focus on the western front.

Where was WWI mostly fought?

the western front

Treaty of Versailles

peace treaty that ended WW1. provided Germany with many repercussions. Established the league of nations.

What were the major failings of the Treaty of Versailles?

Germany saw economic hardship and political instability which led to world war 2. The league of nations was not very effective. It did not address increasing nationalism.

U.S. mobilization for the war and the homefront

The US’s mobilization included the draft, increased production of war materials, food rationing and food production, raising money, using propaganda to boost support for the war, and women took new roles that were left by men in war.

What changes were made to the economy?

Industrialization due to demand for war supplies, the government began taking a more active role in the economy, women and minorities began entering the workforce in waves, technological innovations, and this all led to an economic boom. But when the war ended veterans could not get jobs.

Propaganda and its uses

News like the media used to influence public opinion and behavior. It was used to boost morale, recruitment, finance war, villainize the enemy, and to encourage conservation of resources.

How did the U.S. largely finance the war?

War bonds; sold to the public and they were encouraged to buy them as a patriotic act, and the funds went towards war efforts. Increased takes helped make more money.

What is ironic about Wilson’s 1916 campaign slogan? (“he kept us out of the war”)

It is ironic because shortly after the election he entered America into the war. He ran on a platform of peace and neutrality that went away shortly after his reelection. 

What was the role/impact on citizens at home?

They promoted the shift in the workforce to maintain a stable economy, helped fund the war, helped preserve resources for soldiers, propaganda, and there were major social changes that helped push equality and the civil rights movement.

Why were the Espionage and Sedition Acts created and what did they do?

The Espionage and Sedition acts were created to address the concern of national security and to try and limit American citizens from opposing their country. They limited free speech and were used to prosecute those who opposed war or criticized the government. They attempted to maintain unity during global conflict. 

What impact did the War have on the spread of the flu?

It impacted the war since soldiers were living in such close quarters it spread like wildfire. This caused many soldiers to die from disease significantly weakening militaries.

What was the impact of the flu?

It killed about 50 million, hospitals could not handle the amount of patients and many places faced shortages of staff and supplies, disrupted the economy (think covid), increased awareness of hygiene and public health measures, and it led to changes in public health policies.

What year did WWI begin?

1914

What year did the US enter the war?

1917

What is Armistice day? When was it?

A day to honor and remember the soldiers who fought and died in the war (veterans day). It marks the anniversary of the end of the war. It is on 11/11.

What year was the Treaty of Versailles signed?

1919

Some historians say that WWI was “transformational.” What specifics could be used to support that claim? (What were the biggest legacies?)

It completely changed Europe geographically (collapse of empires), social shifts that paved the way for the civil rights movement, changed warfare with technological advancements, led to economic disruption, soldiers suffered psychologically as they faced shell shock (PTSD), reshaped international relations.

How did teddy roosevelt of the following contribute to the US rising as a world power:

He helped expand and modernize the navy making it one of the most powerful in the world, the panama canal which boosted trade and military mobility, with the Roosevelt corollary established America as the dominant power in the west, and helped strengthen the economy.

How did the spanish-american war of the following contribute to the US rising as a world power:

America gained many new territories extending influence, the win showcased America's military abilities, gained new resources and markets, boosted global standing, and established dominant power by pushing Spain out.

How did world war one of the following contribute to the US rising as a world power:

Boosted the economy and increased the number of jobs, gave the military another win, showcased America's commitment to foreign affairs, marked America's first time sending troops overseas, established the US has a key power, and it allowed America to become a dominant force in international relations.