MAIN Causes
What does the "M" in MAIN stand for?
Military
Name two major Allied Powers in 1914.
France, Russia, Great Britain (any two)
Who was President of the U.S. at the start of WWI?
Woodrow Wilson
What happened to the Lusitania in 1915?
It was sunk by a German submarine, killing 1,200 people (including Americans).
What was Wilson’s plan for peace called?
Fourteen Points
Define "imperialism" as a cause of WWI.
Competition for colonies and empires increased tensions among European powers.
Which countries made up the Central Powers?
Germany, Austria-Hungary, Ottoman Empire, Bulgaria
Why did President Wilson want the U.S. to stay neutral?
To avoid involvement in European conflicts and maintain peace in the U.S.
What was the Zimmerman Telegram? Who sent it to whom?
A secret message from Germany to Mexico, urging Mexico to join the war against the U.S.
What was the League of Nations supposed to do?
Promote peace and prevent future wars by providing a forum for countries to resolve disputes.
What event in 1914 triggered WWI?
The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary.
Which country switched sides and joined the Allies in 1915?
Italy
What is neutrality?
Not taking sides in a conflict or war.
Name one reason besides submarine warfare that pushed the U.S. toward war.
Economic ties to Allies, cultural ties, or Wilson’s wish to “make the world safe for democracy.”
Name one reason some U.S. Senators opposed joining the League of Nations.
Fear of entangling alliances or desire for isolationism.
How did alliances turn a regional conflict into a world war?
Alliances caused more countries to join the conflict, spreading war beyond Serbia and Austria-Hungary.
Name one country that joined the Allies after 1917.
United States (also possible: Japan, others)
How did U.S. trade patterns differ with the Allies and Central Powers?
The U.S. traded more with the Allies than with the Central Powers during neutrality.
When did the U.S. declare war on Germany?
April 1917
What were two key terms forced on Germany by the Treaty of Versailles?
War-guilt clause, reparations, loss of territory, military limits (any two).
Explain the concept of nationalism and how it contributed to WWI.
Nationalism, or intense pride in one’s nation, led to rivalries and the desire for independence.
On a 1914 map, where was Austria-Hungary located?
Central Europe, east of Germany, north of the Balkans
How did German submarine warfare threaten U.S. neutrality?
German U-boats attacked neutral and American ships, risking U.S. lives and property.
How did women and African Americans contribute to the U.S. war effort?
Women worked in factories and served as nurses; African Americans served in the military and industry.
Name two immediate effects of WWI.
Massive human casualties; economic devastation in Europe; social and political instability.