WW1 Review

M.A.I.N Causes of WWI & Examples:

Militarism – European nations built up large militaries, escalating tensions (e.g., Germany’s naval expansion challenged Britain).

Alliances – Complex agreements pulled countries into conflict (e.g., Triple Alliance and Triple Entente).

Imperialism – Competition for colonies led to global rivalries (e.g., Germany and Britain clashing over Africa).

Nationalism – Ethnic pride and independence movements fueled conflicts (e.g., Serbian nationalism and the assassination of Franz Ferdinand).

Major Players in WWI:

Allied Powers: France, Russia, UK, later joined by Italy and the U.S.

Central Powers: Germany, Austria-Hungary, Ottoman Empire, Bulgaria.

Neutral Powers: Spain, Switzerland, Netherlands, Sweden.

Catalyst Event of WWI:

The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary in 1914 by a Serbian nationalist sparked the war.

U.S. Involvement in WWI:

Initially neutral, the U.S. joined the war in 1917 due to German unrestricted submarine warfare (e.g., sinking of the Lusitania) and the Zimmermann Telegram.

Home Front Efforts & Laws to Curb Dissent:

Liberty Bonds – Sold to fund the war.

War Conservation Programs – "Meatless Mondays," "Victory Gardens."

Propaganda & The Four-Minute Men – Speeches encouraging support.

Espionage Act (1917) & Sedition Act (1918) – Criminalized criticism of the government and war effort.

Key Military Concepts:

Doughboys – American soldiers.

Trench Warfare – Led to high casualties.

U-Boats – German submarines attacking without warning.

End of WWI & Peace Efforts:

Armistice Day (Nov. 11, 1918) – Fighting ceased.

Wilson’s Fourteen Points – Peace plan emphasizing diplomacy, free trade, and self-determination.

League of Nations – Proposed international organization for peace (U.S. did not join).

Treaty of Versailles (1919) – Germany took blame, paid reparations, and lost territory.

Post-War U.S. Economy & Problems:

Inflation & Unemployment – Soldiers returned to job shortages.

Race Riots – Competition for jobs led to racial violence.

Strikes (Seattle General Strike, Boston Police Strike, Steel Strike) – Labor unrest.

Red Scare & Backlash:

Communism Fear – Fueled by the Russian Revolution.

Palmer Raids – Arrests and deportations of suspected radicals.

Sacco & Vanzetti Case – Italian immigrants executed amid anti-immigrant bias.

Cultural & Social Aspects of the 1920s:

Harlem Renaissance – African American cultural revival.

Jazz Age – Popularized by artists like Louis Armstrong.

Speakeasies & Bootlegging – Illegal alcohol trade during Prohibition.

Al Capone – Notorious gangster profiting from Prohibition.

Scopes Trial (1925) – Evolution vs. religious beliefs.

Political & Economic Shifts in the 1920s:

Harding’s "Return to Normalcy" – Pro-business policies.

Teapot Dome Scandal – Government corruption involving oil leases.

Coolidge’s Pro-Business Policies – Minimal government interference.

Supply-Side Economics – Tax cuts to encourage investment.

Dawes Plan (1924) – U.S. loans to help Germany pay reparations.

U.S. & Global Efforts to Prevent Future Wars:

Washington Conference (1921-22): Treaties to reduce naval arms and maintain peace.

Five-Power Treaty – Limited battleships.

Four-Power Treaty – Pacific territorial agreements.

Nine-Power Treaty – Guaranteed China’s independence.

Kellogg-Briand Pact (1928): Nations renounced war as a tool for resolving disputes.

National Origins Act (1924): Restricted immigration, favoring Northwestern Europeans.

End of Prohibition (1933): 21st Amendment repealed alcohol bans.

Key Years to Remember:

1914 – WWI begins.

1917 – U.S. enters the war.

1918 – WWI ends (Armistice Day).

1919 – Treaty of Versailles signed.

1920s – Red Scare, Harlem Renaissance, Prohibition.

1924 – Dawes Plan, National Origins Act.

1925 – Scopes Trial.

1928 – Kellogg-Briand Pact.

1933 – 21st Amendment ends Prohibition.