U.S. History WW1 Study Guide: Key Concepts and Events

Imperialism

The policy of extending a country's power and influence through colonization, military force, or other means, which contributed to tensions leading to WW1.

Militarism

The belief in building up strong armed forces to prepare for war, which increased competition and distrust among nations prior to WW1.

Nationalism

A strong sense of pride and loyalty to one's nation or ethnic group, which fueled rivalries and conflicts among countries during WW1.

Alliances

Agreements between nations to provide mutual support in case of conflict, which created a web of obligations that escalated the war.

Proxy War

A conflict where two opposing countries or parties support combatants that serve their interests instead of waging war directly, often seen during the Cold War.

Propaganda

Information, especially biased or misleading, used to promote a political cause or point of view, heavily utilized during WW1 to influence public opinion.

Amnesty

A governmental pardon for individuals or groups, often used to forgive political offenses, which can be significant in post-war reconciliations.

Peace treaty

A formal agreement between warring parties to end hostilities and outline terms for peace, such as the Treaty of Versailles that ended WW1.

Wilson's 14 Points

A statement of principles for peace negotiations to end WW1 proposed by U.S. President Woodrow Wilson, emphasizing self-determination and the establishment of the League of Nations.

League of Nations

An international organization established after WW1 to promote peace and cooperation among countries, though it ultimately failed to prevent future conflicts.

Communism

A political and economic ideology advocating for a classless system in which the means of production are owned communally, which gained prominence after the Russian Revolution.

Red Scare

A period of intense fear of communism and radical leftism in the U.S. following WW1, leading to widespread paranoia and the persecution of suspected radicals.

Archduke Ferdinand and his assassination

The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria in 1914, which triggered a chain of events leading to the outbreak of WW1.

What countries are a part of the Central Powers?

The Central Powers primarily included Germany, Austria-Hungary, the Ottoman Empire, and Bulgaria during WW1.

What countries are a part of the Allied Powers?

The Allied Powers included France, the United Kingdom, Russia, Italy, and later the United States, among others, during WW1.

Why did the United States stay out of the war for so long?

The U.S. initially stayed neutral due to isolationist sentiments, economic interests, and a desire to avoid European conflicts, but was forced to enter the war due to unrestricted submarine warfare and the Zimmermann Telegram.

What was the impact of the United States entering the war?

The U.S. entry provided fresh troops and resources to the Allies, boosting morale and contributing to the eventual defeat of the Central Powers, while also leading to significant social changes on the home front.

What occurred on the home front that had a lasting impression within the United States?

The war effort led to increased government control over the economy, the mobilization of women into the workforce, and the promotion of civil liberties restrictions, which had lasting effects on American society.