Study Guide: Unit 7 - World War I, Prohibition, and the Roaring Twenties

Study Guide: Unit 7 - World War I, Prohibition, and the Roaring Twenties

1. Great War in Europe

• Franz Ferdinand

  • His assassination is often cited as the immediate trigger of World War I.

• War Causes

  • Militarism: The build-up of military forces and arms to prepare for war.

  • Alliances: Complex networks of treaties between countries that drew in multiple nations.

  • Imperialism: Competition for colonies and global dominance.

  • Nationalism: Intense pride and allegiance to one’s nation, often leading to conflicts.

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

• Allied Powers: Britain, France, Russia, and later the U.S.

• Trench Warfare: A form of combat in which armies fight from deep trenches, leading to high casualties and a stalemate.

• Lusitania Sinking: The sinking of this British ocean liner by a German U-boat contributed to the U.S. entering the war.

• Neutrality: The U.S. initially sought to remain neutral but was drawn into the conflict due to various provocations.

2. The US Enters the War

• Blockades: The British blockade of Germany hampered supplies and led to desperation.

• U-Boats & Unrestricted Submarine Warfare: Germany’s policy of sinking ships without warning escalated tensions with the U.S.

• US Exports & Loans: Economic ties to the Allies influenced the U.S. decision to enter the war.

• Zimmerman Telegram: A secret proposal from Germany to Mexico promising U.S. territory in exchange for joining the war against the U.S.

• Conscription/Selective Service: Drafting of soldiers to meet military needs.

• Propaganda:

  • Characteristics of Propaganda: Emotionally persuasive messages designed to influence public opinion.

  • Committee on Public Information: Agency created to promote participation in the war effort.

3. America Fights in Europe and at Home

• Espionage Act of 1917: Legislation that imposed severe penalties for spying and helping the enemy.

• Sedition Act of 1918: Criminalized any speech or behavior deemed disloyal.

• Schenck v. United States: Supreme Court case addressing limits on free speech during wartime, establishing the "clear and present danger" test regarding the First Amendment.

4. End of World War I and the Red Scare

• Fourteen Points: President Woodrow Wilson's framework for peace, emphasizing self-determination and the need for a League of Nations.

• Treaty of Versailles: The formal agreement that ended WWI, imposing heavy reparations on Germany.

• League of Nations: An organization aimed at promoting peace, though the U.S. did not join.

• US as a World Power: Post-war military and economic strength shifted the U.S. into a leading global role.

• Causes of Red Scare: Fear of communism and radical political movements post-WWI.

• FBI and Palmer Raids: Government efforts to arrest and deport radical leftists, particularly immigrants.

5. Woman’s Suffrage

• Progressive Arguments: Emphasized equality and the role of women in society as justifications for the right to vote.

• Arguments Against Suffrage: Concerns about women’s capability to make informed political choices.

• Methods: Advocacy, protests, and formation of organizations (e.g., National American Woman Suffrage Association).

6. Prohibition

• Reasons for Support: Beliefs about moral improvement, public health, and social order.

• Reasons for Failure: Rise of organized crime, widespread public flouting of the law, and economic repercussions.

7. The Roaring Twenties

• Shared Culture: Jazz music, flapper fashion, and the emergence of celebrity culture.

• Spread of Ideas: Innovations in media, including radio and film.

• Culture War: Conflict over traditional norms versus modern values, highlighted by differing views on lifestyle and morality.

• Roles of Women: Women gained more independence and societal roles during this era.

• Harlem Renaissance: A vibrant cultural movement centered around African American artistic output in the 1920s.

• Ku Klux Klan: The resurgence of this organization reflected racial tensions and societal backlash against progress.

• Scopes Trial: A landmark legal case addressing the teaching of evolution in schools, highlighting the clash between science and religious beliefs.

8. October 29, 1929 - The Stock Market Crash

• Consumer Economy: A booming economy characterized by consumers purchasing goods.

• Buying on Credit: Increased consumer debt fueled economic growth.

• Buying on Margin: Investing in stocks by borrowing money, leading to widespread financial vulnerability.

• Reasons for Optimism: Many believed the stock market would continue to rise, leading to speculative investments.

• What the Optimists Missed: Ignored signs of economic instability and unsustainable growth that led to the crash.