Define It Precisely
The buildup of military power by nations because they believe strength prevents attack.
Hint: “Arms race” mindset.
What is Militarism?
Wilson declares U.S. neutrality at the start of the war in Europe.
Hint: The war begins in Europe.
What is 1914?
The assassination victim whose death triggered WWI.
Hint: He was an archduke.
Who is Archduke Franz Ferdinand?
Name one country in the Triple Entente.
What is Britain, France, or Russia?
In CER writing, the “C” stands for this.
Hint: Your position in 1 sentence.
Claim
Competing for colonies/territory to gain resources, trade routes, and global power.
Hint: European empires overseas.
What is Imperialism?
A German U-boat sinks the Lusitania, killing 128 Americans.
Hint: Early turning point for U.S. anger.
What is 1915?
The assassin who carried out the “spark” event.
Hint: Serbian nationalist.
Who is Gavrilo Princip?
Name one country in the Triple Alliance.
Germany, Austria-Hungary, or Italy.
In CER writing, the “E” must be this type of information (not opinions).
Hint: Specific facts from the unit.
Evidence
Agreements that required countries to protect one another if war began.
Hint: This is why war spread fast.
What are Alliances?
“He Kept Us Out of War” election year AND Germany makes the Sussex Pledge.
What is 1916?
The country Austria-Hungary blamed after the assassination.
Hint: A Balkan nation.
What is Serbia?
This alliance system is why a “local conflict” became a “world war.”
What is the chain reaction caused by alliances?
In a CER paragraph, this section explains how evidence proves the claim.
Hint: The “because” part.
Reasoning
Extreme pride in your nation OR ethnic groups wanting their own country.
Hint: Major hotspot = Balkans.
What is Nationalism?
Germany resumes sinking ships without warning AND the Zimmermann Telegram is revealed.
Hint: The U.S. turns toward war.
What is 1917?
The German strategy to beat France quickly first, then fight Russia.
Hint: Must include a neutral country.
What is the Schlieffen Plan?
In the chain reaction, Russia backed Serbia, and Germany backed this country.
Hint: The empire that blamed Serbia.
What is Austria-Hungary?
A strong CER evidence sentence would mention Germany offering Mexico help to regain these three areas.
What are Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona?
Propaganda that presents the enemy as evil, violent, or less than human to increase hatred and support for war.
Hint: “Monsterizing” the enemy.
What is Demonization?
the U.S. officially declares war (month not required).
Hint: Same year as USW + Zimmermann.
What is 1917? (April 1917)
The TWO actions by Germany that most directly pushed the U.S. to declare war.
Hint: Submarines + secret telegram.
What are Unrestricted Submarine Warfare and the Zimmermann Telegram?
Complete the chain reaction: Austria-Hungary attacks Serbia → Russia supports Serbia → Germany supports Austria-Hungary → then these two countries get pulled in.
Hint: Western allies.
What are France and Britain?
rite the best “Reasoning” idea in one line: Why did Unrestricted Submarine Warfare push the U.S. toward war?
What is: Germany resumed sinking ships without warning, threatening American lives and ships and making neutrality impossible?