Imperialism and WW1 (open ended)

Why did the United States go to war with Spain in 1898? (2.1: The Spanish American War)

In the late 19th century Cuba had been fighting for independence from Spain, U.S. sympathized with them since they too had fought for independence. Yellow journalism influences negative opinions about Spain in the U.S. Then, there’s a USS Maine explosion in Havana Harbor, U.S. blames Spain and declares war. 

Pick two factors that led to the United States entering World War I and describe them. (2.2: Leadup to World War I)

Two reasons that led the U.S. to entering WWI was due to German submarine warfare and the Zimmerman Telegram. Germany had been operating unrestricted submarine warfare even after they had promised they’d limit the attacks. The Zimmerman Telegram was used to intercept communication made by a Secret German diplomat, in the message Germany promised Mexico recovery of lost territories if the U.S. entered the war—proposing an alliance.

Describe some of the impacts of the United States in World War I. (2.3: The U.S. in World War I).

With U.S. involvement there are fresh troops and resources for Allies, supplies, weapons, food. Allied morale is boosted. They helped break the stalemate on the Western Front. They also contributed to an Allied victory in November 1918. And lastly, the U.S. is established as a world power.

In what ways did women contribute to the war effort during World War I? (2.4: The War At Home. Also, look back at the video on slide 3).

Women filled traditionally male-dominated jobs, they went into a lot of factories, shipyards, offices, and transportation jobs. By 1918, nearly 1 million women entered the workforce. They also challenged traditional gender roles and expectations.