Causes Of WW1 and U.S. Entry
What led the nations of Europe to war in 1914?
Countries in Europe had been competing with one another over boundaries in Europe, and colonies around the globe. They began building up large armies and navies out of fear of each other and forming alliances, pledging to help one another in case of attack.
During WW1 military bases and air stations were built in Florida how do you think that might affect Florida long term?
It could increase the population of Florida particularly near the coast and also strengthen Florida's economy.
Why did the war on the western front soon devolve into trench warfare?
Powerful artillery and machine guns had been developed, so the soldiers had to seek protection below ground level.
How were goals at the Paris Peace conference of the European allies (Great Britain, France, and Italy) different from the United States?
The European nations wanted to punish Germany and put measures into place that would keep it weak so that it couldn't go to war again. The United States was less motivated by revenge and wanted to ensure world peace and greater freedom for all nations.
What was the Zimmerman telegram, and why was it significant?
It was a coded message sent from Germany to Mexico promising to help Mexico regain land (Texas New Mexico and Arizona) in exchange for Mexico's assistance in the war. The British intercepted it and published causing many Americans to want to declare war on Germany.
What were Liberty Bonds or Liberty Loans, and how did the process work?
It was partly how the government financed the war, by borrowing money from the people. The American people bought bonds, and the government agreed to pay the bond back at face value plus interest after a certain number of years.
Why were U Boats a constant problem, and how did the Allies try to counteract that problem?
German submarines were fast and could move about mostly undetected and then sink Allied ships. The Allies began sending warships to guard the merchant ships in long lines called convoys.
The fighting of WW1 ended in 1918 with an armistice being singed what is the difference between an armistice an a peace treaty?
An armistice is a formal agreement to cease military hostilities, while a peace treaty is a formal, legally binding agreement that ends a war and establishes the terms of peace.
The Lusitania was sunk by a German U Boat (submarine) killing over 100 Americans on board in 1915. What did the U.S. get from Germany as a result?
Sussex pledge- Germany promised to stop sinking merchant ships without warning. (They would do this for two more years.
How did women help the war effort?
Women worked for the red cross, raised funds, planted Victory Gardens, and filled jobs that had been vacated by men. (Particularly on farms and factories.)
The National War Labor Board was created during WW1 to prevent strikes and work stoppages why?
To ensure a steady workforce to make sure the U.S. had a constant stream of supplies (guns, ammunition uniforms ready to go.
What was the League of Nations?
It was a peacekeeping body made up of representatives from most nations.
Woodrow Wilson run reelection in 1916 on the campaign phrase "He Kept us out of war" yet a couple months later the U.S. was in World War 1. Why? (2 reasons)
Germany started sinking ships without warning again, Zimmerman Telegram, U.S. had given many loans to Britian and France.
How did World War 1 change life for many African Americans at the homefront?
The war kicks off the Great Migration as there is need for labor in the Northern factories. Many African Americans leave the rural south for the urban north.
Over 10 Percent of the population was either born in Germany or had a parent who was at the start of WW1, how did life change for them at the start of the war?
Many were viewed with suspicion at the start of the war and some faced violence particularly if they refused to buy war bonds. Some changed their names and products from Germany (sauerkraut, measles hamburgers) had their names changed temporarily as well.
Why did the United States not join the League of Nations even though it was our idea?
The United States Senate and many Americans were worried that it would commit the United States to future wars without a vote in Congress.
What was the purpose of the Committee of Public Information?
It was designed to stir up support for the war effort encouraged propaganda about the war (4 minute speeches, propaganda posters.)
How did World War 1 greatly reduce the civil liberties of many Americans? (think of 2 laws)
The Sedition and Espionage Acts were passed making it illegal to speak out against the war (Sedition Act) or aid the enemy give false reports or interfere with the war effort. (Espionage Act)
How did African American troops experience WW1?
Most African American troops served in a labor capacity digging trenches and ferrying supplies. The ones that do see action are mostly under French command.
The Treaty of Versailles clearly failed (as evidenced by World War II) why?
The U.S. did not join the League of Nations, countries borders based on ethnic groups was not followed all the way, and the treaty upset Italy and Germany leading to a rise in nationalist groups. Also, when Germany started breaking the rules under the Treaty of Versailles nobody did anything to stop them.