Beginnings of the War
U.S. enters the war
Trench Warfare
African American Treatment
Misc.
100
What were the M.A.I.N. causes of World War I?
Militarism, Alliances, Imperialism, Nationalism
100
Describe what happened with the sinking of the Lusitania
This was a British passenger ship that was sunk by a German u-boat (submarine). It had 128 Americans on board when it sank. Even though there has been some evidence to show that the ship was carrying cargo from the Americas to the British to be used in the war against the Germans, the American government claimed that it was a peaceful ship and the Germans had no right to sink it. This was one factor that convinced many Americans that the country should enter the war on the side of the British.
100
What is a trench?
A "hole" dug into the ground (think along similar building style as a baseball dugout) that soldiers in World War I used during combat and non-combat.
100
At the time of World War I (1914-1918) were there still African American slaves in the U.S.?
No
100
What happened because trench warfare was a stalemate?
Both sides introduced chemical weapons into the fighting
200
Describe the term nationalism
Strong feelings of patriotism/pride that a country shows for itself.
200
When the war began in 1914, how did President Wilson and most Americans feel about getting involved in it?
Both the president and many throughout the country wanted to stay neutral.
200
Besides fighting, why was life in the trenches so dangerous
Soldiers were forced to stay in close contact with each other for a long period of time. This led to a lot of disease.
200
In the time of World War I (1914-1918) were African Americans forced into segregation in the United States, especially in the South?
Yes
200
What was President Wilson's idea of neutrality in 1914 (when the war began)?
Not only did he pledge to stay out the war, but he wanted both sides to treat the U.S. with respect; he also wanted to trade with both sides and not be penalized for this by either side.
300
Describe Militarism
When a country places a lot of emphasis on its military in order to brag to other countries.
300
What was the Zimmermann telegram?
It was a message sent from Arthur Zimmermann to the Mexican government. In it, Zimmerman explained that the United States was waiting too long to enter the war and it was German's goal to get them involved. Zimmermann wanted Mexico to lead an invasion against the U.S. with Germany's support. In exchange for siding with the Germans, Mexico would receive New Mexico, Texas, and Arizona (all of these states were taken from Mexico by the U.S. in a previous war). Although Mexico never followed through with this plan, many Americans found out about it and saw this as a reason to enter the war against Germany.
300
Why was trench warfare so deadly.
It was a combination of old school tactics (trenches) combined with new technology (rapid firing weapons). The method of attempting to cross no man's land and get to the other trench had worked in previous wars, but those wars didn't involve the use of such advanced weaponry.
300
When the U.S. entered the war in 1917, how were the rights of African American soldiers different from those of white soldiers?
Segregated units; African Americans couldn't be officers; African Americans couldn't defer from a draft while some whites could; few to no honors were given to African American soldiers
300
What event was considered "the spark" that started World War I?
The Archduke Franz Ferdinand's assassination by a Serbian nationalist. Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia; Russia declared war on Austria-Hungary; Germany declared war on Russia; France declared war on Germany.
400
Describe the two alliances that were occurring in Europe just before World War I began.
Germany and Austria-Hungary had formed one alliance, while Great Britain, France, and Russia had formed another.
400
Why were Liberty Bonds important?
They funded the war effort and made Americans feel patriotic about the war.
400
What is a stalemate? Why was trench warfare in World War I considered a stalemate?
A draw/tie. This style of combat combined with deadly weapons led to a high amount of casualties on both sides.
400
How were African American soldiers treated when they arrived home?
They were still subject to segregation; they had little to no recognition for defending the country; many (especially in the South) felt that African American soldiers returning home might feel a stronger sense of freedom, so these people began to lynch many former African American soldiers to remind them of their limited rights
400
What was "the powder keg"?
It was the area in Europe known as the Balkans (the area where Serbia and Bosnia-Herzgovnia are located). It was called the powder keg because the region had been going through so much tension that any "spark" could create a huge explosion in the area. Powder=gun powder; keg=barrel
500
What was imperialism?
The process that European countries used to colonize distant lands (especially in Africa) as their own. Many countries began to dispute who had the right to certain African territories. This led to a lot of tension among the major European powers
500
Why were recruitment posters important?
They helped convince young men to enlist in the military and showed them that this was a patriotic thing to do.
500
How did the marshmallow simulation compare to what you already know about trench warfare?
Score based on individual student response.
500
How do you think the Europeans fighting alongside the African American soldiers felt about them?
They saw them much more as equals. African Americans soldiers often fought alongside the French, which recognized many African American soldiers for their service.
500
What was President Wilson re-election slogan that appealed to the Americans that were looking to stay out of the war? (It helped him win re-election, but he ultimately went back on his campaign slogan)
Something along the lines of: Re-elect President Wilson. He kept us out of war.
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