US History: Enter the World Stage
How did US cultural beliefs contribute to US imperialism?
A lot of Americans felt they were culturally superior to the people in foreign territories. They felt their way of life and government was better. They thought of the people in foreign territories were less civilized. They thought that taking control of the foreign territories was for those people's own good. They called it the white man's burden. Their burden was taking care of the foreign territories. It was a racist belief.
Describe the US' "isolationism" policy
For the next several decades after the Monroe Doctrine, the United States followed this policy. This policy is the policy of refraining from involvement in global affairs. The U.S. declined to intervene in an independence movement in Poland when asked to do so by foreign leaders. The U.S. also chose to limit its involvement in the Hungarian fight for independence in 1849. They worked to have Hungarian leaders freed from prison, but did not offer any other form of support or formally recognize an independent Hungary. The U.S. had chosen not to involve itself in the political affairs of distant countries.
Which nations became the known as the "Central Powers"?
Germany, Austria-Hungary, Turkey, Ottoman Empire, and Bulgaria.
Why did people like Theodore Roosevelt want the Panama Canal to be constructed?
He believed that the United States needed strong presence in Latin America.
Explain how Roosevelt's experience in Spanish American War affected his political career
He gained national fame for his service. He resigned his post as assistant secretary of the navy to recruit and train volunteers for the Spanish American War. Roosevelt's role in the Spanish American War was often used as a metaphor for other issues during his presidency.
Describe President Wilson's position regarding World War I during his 1916 re-election campaign
He started a "Preparedness Campaign". He got Congress to approve a huge shipbuilding project so the United States Navy would be prepared to meet any threat. Another program enlarged the army, and a Council of National Defense was instituted to coordinate industry for war production. Wilson also campaigned the slogan "He kept us out of war". Wilson won the election. He doubted that he could keep the country out of war much longer. He looked for a diplomatic solution that both sides could agree to, but the war continued.
What happened to tariffs in the US after the war ended and how did that impact the US and Europe?
High tariffs on imported goods increased prices on goods from Europe and helped American businesses. Ironically, the isolationists' support for high tariffs forced the United States to engage in economic relations with Europe. High tariffs on imported goods made it difficult for Great Britain and France to sell enough goods in the United States to repay their war debts to American lenders.
What is propaganda?
Information designed to make people think a certain way about something. Americans had to be convinced to support the war.
When was the Treaty of Versailles finally signed?
June 28, 1919
What naval base did the US install in the Hawaiian Islands?
Naval Station Pearl Harbor.
What impact did the Boxer Rebellion have on the Open-Door Policy and the US's trade relationship with China?
Not wanting another bloody rebellion, European powers then accepted the Open Door Policy. The policy respected China's borders and vowed to maintain its independence.
How did Austria-Hungary respond to the assassination?
The Austro-Hungarian government was upset and blamed the nation of Serbia for it. Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia.
What treaty did Allied leaders eventually create at the Paris Peace Conference?
The Treaty of Versailles.
Explain how the Espionage Act of 1917 attempted to prevent opposition to the war effort
The act made it a crime to help the enemy or relay false information that interfered with a military mission. Those who violated this law could be jailed up to 20 years and receive a $10,000 fine.
What happened in the Philippines after the US annexed it?
The people of the Philippines were outraged that the United States was attempting to make their country a U.S. possession. Emilio Aguinaldo led rebels in a bloody war against U.S. troops for three years. More than 4000 Americans and some 220,000 Filipinos died, mostly from disease. The rebels were defeated. The United States controlled the Philippines until 1946, when it gave the island full independence.
What was the result of the Bolshevik Revolution of 1917?
They installed a socialist-communist government in Russia. Russia became part of the Soviet Union controlled by the communist party.
What did the US guarantee if Cuba agreed to the limitations?
U.S. troops would be removed from Cuba.
Approximately how many civilians and soldiers died during the war?
15 to 19 million people died.
What is a "protectorate"?
A country under the control of another country.
Describe the Boxer Rebellion that occurred in 1899
A group of Chinese martial artists led the Boxer Rebellion. This violent uprising against foreign influence in China was put down two months later. By then, more than 200 foreigners had been killed. Not wanting another bloody rebellion, European powers then accepted the Open Door Policy.
Describe the "banana republics" that formed during this time period
A result of the Dollar Diplomacy. Name given to often Latin American countries ran by governments that were heavily influenced by American businesses. The governments make it a priority to help the business in the countries instead of the people in those countries. They put the interest of the company over the interest of the people. Viewed as corrupt governments.
Explain what happened on the "Western Front".
A system of defensive trenches developed along the Western Front line. They caused the battle line to get stuck in one part of the trench. One on side of the trench was the Central Powers military. On the other side of the trenches is the Allied Powers military.
Described how the Treaty of Versailles disarmed Germany
Against Wilson's wishes, the Treaty of Versailles punished Germany harshly. Under the treaty, Germany was prohibited from raising an army. The disarmament left Germany feeling defenseless.
What role did taxes play in helping the US government pay for the war effort?
American leaders had to convince the public that a conflict across the Atlantic deserved their financial support. The first step the government took was raising taxes. Much of the $35.5 billion spent on World War I was generated through taxes. A progressive income tax charged higher rates to those who earned more. Taxes on industries that profited from the war helped, too. Congress also instituted higher taxes on alcohol, tobacco, and luxury goods.
Describe the "Bayonet Constitution" of 1887
Americans that went to Hawaii to grow sugar wanted to have more power over what happens in Hawaii. In 1887, the Americans in Hawaii forced King Kalakaua, the king of Hawaii, to sign the Bayonet Constitution. The Bayonet Constitution gave the Americans in Hawaii more power and influence over the Hawaiian government. Forced him to sign it at gunpoint.
Why did Americans become interested in the Hawaiian Islands?
Americans were looking for natural resources and there was a lot of sugar in the Hawaiian Islands.
Describe the Anti-Imperialist League
Americans who believed that taking control of the Philippines was imperialism at its worst. Some of those opposed formed the Anti-Imperialist League. Several African American leaders opposed annexation of the Philippines, because they didn't want the United States to impose segregation on other nations the way it had on the South. Some Americans also feared that taking over the Philippines would increase immigration and threaten the jobs of American workers.
Define what a "sphere of influence" is
An area or region over which a country has significant cultural, economic, military, or political influence. This meant that the United States could intervene in the affairs of other American nations, but European nations could not do so without facing U.S. military action.
Explain who Archduke Franz Ferdinand and Gavrilo Princip were
Archduke Franz Ferdinand was the heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne. He and his wife were killed in his car by Gavrilo Princip. Gavrilo Princip was a member of the Black Hand. He was a Serbian nationalist.
Which regions around the world had several European nations practicing imperialism in them?
Asia and Africa. Native peoples in the colonies suffered extreme brutality at the hands of European countries such as Belgium and France.
How did Russia respond to Austria-Hungary's action?
Because Russia had an alliance with Serbia, Russia declared war on Austria-Hungary.
Which small nation (located in between Germany and France) did Great Britain guarantee the safety of?
Belgium.
How did the newspapers that printed yellow journalism stories, feel about the rebellion in Cuba?
Both papers printed interviews with Cubans fighting for freedom and tried to whip the nation into a frenzy to support Cuban independence.
What led to Germany's surrender?
British blockade. The Germans were starving.
Why did manufacturers and industrialists argue in favor of US imperialism?
By practicing imperialism, manufacturers and industrialists were able to expand their markets and get raw materials from other lands that weren't found in the U.S. Imperialism would benefit the manufacturers and industrialists.
Explain how the Selective Service Act of 1917 impacted the size of the US military
By the end of 1918, about 24 million men had registered. About 3 million men were called for service, and two million served in Europe. 20 percent were foreign-born. About 400,000 African Americans were drafted or volunteered.
Describe the rebellion that took place in Hawaii in 1893
Congress forced Hawaiian sugar growers to compete with U.S. and Cuban sugar producers, which resulted in a severe economic depression in Hawaii. To get around this tariff, Hawaiian planters plotted to make the islands a territory of the United States. However, the monarch and leader of the native government, Queen Liliuokalani, still ruled Hawaii. In 1893, a group of planters led by Samuel Dole and supported by President Benjamin Harrison and the U.S. military overthrew the queen.
What decision did the US government make on April 25, 1898, in a large part due to what happened to the USS Maine?
Congress formally declared war on Spain.
How did many Americans respond/react to the rebellion in Cuba?
Cuba's demand for complete independence found support in the United States. Many Americans supported Cuban independence simply because the desire for freedom was a familiar theme in U.S. history. For several years, American newspapers had been publishing shocking accounts of the suffering of the Cuban people.
What did it mean that an "armistice" was declared on November 11, 1918?
During an armistice, the fighting between armies stops while a peace agreement is forged. The opposing sides in WWI declared an armistice.
Which nations controlled much of China and had "spheres of influence"?
European nations. European powers carved out spheres of influence in China. These gave European Nations favorable trade status.
Describe how "nationalism" contributed to the start of World War I
European powers were also aware of the rising tide of nationalism. The idea of nationalism lead to the unification of states in Italy and Germany. Both countries changed from collections of states to unified nations in the late 1800s. The nationalist spirit also led to separation. Serbia, a Slavic country, wanted the Slavic areas of the southern Austria-Hungary Empire to separate from the empire and join them. To help achieve this goal, a fanatic Serb shot and killed the heir apparent to the Austro-Hungarian throne, Archduke Franz Ferdinand, on June 29, 1914, in Sarajevo, which was another part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. A month later, Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia, setting off a chain reaction that led to the Great War. Soldiers from Britain's and France's colonial possessions would fight on the side of their imperial masters. They did this partly out of loyalty but also in the hope that their nationalistic goals would be granted once the war was over. Japan and China took part, in hopes of gaining some advantages at the peace table after the war.
What happened to the Spanish fleet when fleeing from San Juan Harbor?
Every Spanish ship was destroyed.
Describe feelings many European nations had about war after WWI ended
Exhausted
What happened to the US economy after World War I ended?
From 1914 to 1917, America's exports to Great Britain jumped from $600 million to nearly $2 billion. Exports to France quadrupled. By 1917, American banks had made loans to Allied nations totaling $2.3 billion. The war stimulated the economy in other ways through job openings and higher wages for workers. Businesses prospered during the war. Unemployment in America fell from 7.9 percent to 1.4 percent as workers joined the government, the military, or took one of the newly available manufacturing jobs. Minorities and women benefited from the growing economy. Many African Americans moved to Northern cities to take manufacturing jobs. More than 1 million women joined the workforce. After the war, an economic recession hit most of the developed world. As troops demobilized and the demand for war materials vanished, the global economy declined. A large increase in the civilian workforce as soldiers left the military, a decrease in stock prices, and an increase in business failures are some of the changes in the United States. Many historians refer to the period following demobilization as the Depression of 1920-21. American soldiers returned home, expecting to take back the jobs they had left to fight the war, and found their jobs taken by minorities and women. The women who had taken over manufacturing jobs were now expected to return to their domestic lives or take jobs more traditionally held by women. A new demand for consumer goods helped the American economy recuperate. The government's pro-business policies reduced taxes for businesses and made more credit available for expansion. High tariffs on imported goods made domestic goods even more appealing. Wages for most workers were rising.
How did Germany respond to Russia action? Why did Great Britain get involved?
Germany declared war on Russia, because Germany had an alliance with Austria-Hungary. Germany also declared war on France because of their alliance with Russia. Great Britain declared war on Germany because they had an alliance with France and Russia.
Describe the Sussex Pledge and why Germany issued it on May 4, 1916
Germany felt threatened by the possibility of American's entry into the war. Germany's submarine fleet, known as U-boats, was the only weapon Germany had to break the British naval blockade. A year later on March 24, a U-boat torpedoed a French ship, the Sussex, which it thought was laying mines. It was actually a passenger vessel, and though it did not sink, the attack killed 50 people. This time, Wilson, in a speech to Congress, issued an ultimatum. If Germany did not end its attacks on passenger ships, the United States would break off diplomatic relations, which was usually a last step before a declaration of war. On May 4, Germany responded with the Sussex Pledge, which declared a moratorium on unrestricted submarine warfare. Instead, Germany would stop passenger ships and inspect them to be sure they were not carrying weapons. This was the same policy the British employed toward neutral ships.
Describe the strategy practiced by Germany during war, known as "unrestricted" submarine warfare
Germany used submarines called U-boats. The German navy patrolled the waters around Europe. They wanted to keep ships from reaching allied power countries, because on those ships could be supplies, people, and things used against them. The German navy would attack any and all ships they came across. It didn't restrict itself to only attacking navy vessels. They attacked merchant vessels and passenger vessels.
Describe the impact of the war on the new German government and economy
Germany was forced to pay $33 billion in war reparations. This was money that Germany did not have. Its economy was in ruins. Germany's colonies were taken away, which made it even more difficult for them to pay reparations. The German economy was in shambles. When Germany was unable to pay war reparations, it appeared that another international crisis was imminent.
Describe the resentment that began to grow in Germany, Italy and Russia after WWI ended
Germany was resentful of the Allies and their own German government, the Weimer Republic, for signing peace treaties. The Italian government is resentful of the other allied countries, because they were on the winning side, but they didn't receive the territory they felt they should have received. The Russian government was resentful towards the allied countries, because they felt they should have been part of the peace talks, and they didn't get the territory back.
Which nations were in the following two pre-war alliances: The Triple Alliance and the Triple Entente?
Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy joined together in a secret alliance called the Triple Alliance. They agreed to support each other if they were attacked. Great Britain, France, and Russia formed their own alliance in fear of German militarism called the Triple Entente. They had a similar arrangement of mutual military support.
What did President Wilson finally ask Congress to vote on April 2, 1917?
He asked for a declaration of war against Germany. He declared "The world must be made safe for democracy." Four days later, Congress gave Wilson his declaration. The day of his war message, crowds cheered Wilson as he rode along the streets of Washington. "My message today was a message of death for our young men," Wilson said later. "How strange it seems to applaud that."
Describe how "imperialism" contributed to the start of World War I.
In 1914, many European nations controlled much of the rest of the world. Germany had come late to the game of colonization, and by the time it had become a European power, Britain, Russia, and France had already claimed most of the territories on the globe available for exploitation. Only a few small colonies in Africa were under German control. By 1900, economic competition had led Germany to challenge and threaten to surpass Britain as Europe's leading economic power. The armies of the Central Powers battled the Allies on several continents. They would fight over colonies in Africa and trade rights in Asia. Australians, New Zealanders, and Canadians with ties to Great Britain would fight and die for the "mother country". Soldiers from Britain's and France's colonial possessions in Asia and Africa would fight on the side of their imperial masters. They did this partly out of loyalty but also in the hope that their nationalistic goals would be granted once the war was over.
What was the USS Maine and why was the USS Maine sent to Cuba?
In January 1898, the United States sent the battleship USS Maine to Cuba to protect Americans there.
Describe what action the US took in Cuba after declaring war
In June, U.S. troops surrounded the Spanish at Santiago, Cuba, where the Spanish Caribbean fleet was stationed. They hoped to force the fleet out of the harbor so that U.S. naval forces blocking the escape could attack. U.S. forces took the village of El Caney in July and then captured San Juan Hill. Nearby, the Rough Riders and two African American divisions captured Kettle Hill. When the Spanish fleet tried to break through the American blockade there, every Spanish ship was destroyed. The Spanish forces in Santiago surrendered. Americans then occupied the nearby island of Puerto Rico and the Spanish were forced to surrender.
Describe how "militarism" contributed to the start of World War I
In the early 1900s the idea of "survival of the fittest" was being applied to nations. People thought strong nations would survive and weak nations would die out or be taken over. This type of strength was measured in terms of military power. European powers started on a quest for military supremacy in the late 1800s by participating in an arms race. They worked to develop powerful navies and built fleets of battleships. When one European country had powerful ships, another European country would step up their game. There was an enormous increase in defense spending in Europe. There was also an increasing military personnel. Most European nations were ready for war by the time conflict broke out in 1914. It was a fight for naval superiority.
How did that European nation respond to the rebellion?
In the mid-1800s, Cuban leaders demanded independence, lower taxes, political representation in the Spanish parliament, and protested the corruption of the Spanish government. In 1868, Cuban revolutionaries began the Ten Years' War for independence. The Spanish government put down the rebellion, and more than 200,000 lives were lost. In 1894 and 1895, the Spanish government canceled a trade pact between the United States and Cuba, raised takes, and passed new trade restrictions. Cuban rebels launched a renewed Cuban War for independence. The revolutionary army took over the eastern part of the island and named it the Republic of Cuba. To fight the revolutionaries, the Spanish army instituted a new program called "reconcentration", where they forced Cubans out of their villages into camps called "reconcentrados". In doing so, the Spanish believed they would deny the rebels popular support, food, and supplies. Tens of thousands of Cubans died from starvation and disease in concentration camps. By 1898, the Spanish government offered Cuba the option of partial self-government. It had also closed the concentration camps. Cubans still demanded complete independence.
How did the War Industries Board help the US war effort?
It boosted industrial production by about 20 percent soon after its founding. The board was responsible for mobilizing the agricultural, industrial, and financial power of the United States. It encouraged businesses to use mass production techniques to reduce waste, and to give high wages to workers to avoid strikes. It ensured that businesses were producing much needed supplies for the war effort. They watched over wages and working hours to keep workers happy and keep them in shifts around the clock producing weapons and ammunition for the boys "over there."
What impact did the passage of the McKinley Tariff of 1890 have?
It ended the agreement for Hawaiian sugar to be imported to the United States without a tariff.
How did this yellow journalism affect the mood of the public about supporting Cuba?
It pushed people to support Cuba and to go to war with Spain.
What happened to laborers that argued with the National War Labor Board?
It revoked draft exemptions from laborers that did not adhere to board decisions.
Why was President William Taft's 1909-1912 policy called "Dollar Diplomacy"?
It was a foreign policy that used U.S. economic power to try to shape international affairs. This policy used economic measures to try to achieve U.S. goals abroad.
Explain what the Roosevelt Corollary was
It was a policy put forth by Roosevelt stating the United States would intervene in Latin America on behalf of European nations. Occurred only if Latin American countries failed to repay financial debts. Roosevelt applied this in the Dominican Republic. In 1905, he installed a U.S. financial director there to solve that nation's debt problems. It was a part of the Big Stick policy.
How did the Food Administration help the war effort?
It was organized to keep the growing armed forces, and Allied forces, supplied with food. I encouraged the production and conservation of food. Americans were encouraged to pick days on which to forego meat, sugar, or grain products so there would be more for troops. They ensured that U.S. soldiers and the Allies were kept fed by promoting "victory gardens". Through these efforts, Americans boosted the amount of food available for those fighting the war.
Armistice is declared on November 11, 1918. What was that day referred to as then and how is it remembered today?
It was referred to as ceasefire. It is known as armistice day.
Explain how the Committee on Public Opinion (CPI) helped convince the US public to support the war effort
It was the country's first propaganda agency. It used the nations artists and advertisers to create a media campaign to influence public opinion. Posters, paintings, political cartoons, and music encouraged the public to support the war. They also used a group of 75,000 volunteer "Four-Minute Men" to speak publicly at meetings and in theaters with pro-war messages. They explained the draft, bonds, the importance of victory gardens, and reasons for fighting. They also distributed millions of pamphlets, booklets, and leaflets to spread their message.
How did the National War Labor Board help the US war effort?
It worked to improve safety in factories, promoted the eight-hour workday, and keep children from factory work. It revoked draft exemptions from workers who did not adhere to board decisions.
Describe the chemical warfare used during the war
Militaries on both sides used gas and chemicals to attack their opponents. They released the gases and it irritated their opponents, hurt them, and disoriented them so they could attack them. They would suffocate, irritate, blind, and choke their opponent.
Describe the Monroe Doctrine of 1823 and how it shaped US foreign policy
Monroe Doctrine was a statement issued by President James Monroe declaring that the Western Hemisphere was off limits from further European intervention. This meant that European nations could not intervene in the affairs of American nations without facing U.S. military action. The U.S. considered the Americas as its own sphere of influence
What did the Spanish-American War cost the US? (the financial cost and human cost)
More than $250 million was spent to defeat Spain. About 2000 soldiers died, mostly from yellow fever, a virus transmitted by mosquitoes.
Describe the effect of the US' entry in the war for the Allied Powers
Motivated the Allied Powers to not surrender.
Describe how "alliances" contributed to the start of World War I.
Nations joined and formed alliances to support each other in attacks and give military support. The idea was that if one nation was attacked, others would intervene so peace would be ensured by creating a balance of power. This is the idea that war could be avoided if a nation or group of nations isn't strong enough to dominate another. These allies were made to guarantee safety of member nations, they also made it possible for a conflict to spread quickly. Austria-Hungary called on their ally Germany for diplomatic and military support against Serbia. Germany encouraged them to invade Serbia and they did. This led Russia to mobilize its army in support of Serbia. Germany, in turn, mobilized its army and the next day declared war on Russia. Germany warned France to stay neutral, but the French were bound by their alliance with Russia and refused to stay neutral. Germany then declared war on France too. Germany sent a message to Belgium, demanding passage through its territory in order to invade France and demanding that the British stay out of it. The British refused and Germany invaded Belgium and Great Britain declared war on Germany. A few European nations managed to remain neutral and other countries joined the war as minor members of an alliance or as part of larger empires. Australians, New Zealanders, and Canadians with ties to Great Britain would fight and die for the "mother country". Even soldiers from Britain's and France's colonial possessions in Asia and Africa would fight on the side of their imperial masters.
What happened to immigration rates in the US after World War I ended? Why?
New laws sharply curtailed the number of immigrants allowed to enter the United States each year.
Describe mechanized warfare used during the war
New types of machinery used in WWI for the first time. Including tanks, planes, machine guns, flame throwers, etc. Modern types of weapons.
Who was blamed for what happened to the USS Maine (even though it turned out to not be true)?
Newspaper headlines condemned the Spanish for the attack, though the cause of the explosion was unknown. In the 1950s, an investigation determined that the cause of the explosion was a malfunction in the Maine itself.
Describe the state of the US military when the US declared war in April 1917. How did the US government seek to change this?
Only 200,000 men were in the military. Few had combat experience. The United States needed to quickly build and train its armed forces. Congress passed the Selective Service Act in May 1917. This law required adult men ages 21 to 30 to register for random selection to military service. Many men refused to register and there was fierce opposition to this act by those against the war. In New York City alone, one police round-up jailed 16,000 draft dodgers.
How did Congress respond to the Treaty of Versailles when President Wilson returned from Paris?
Opposition was fierce. Some senators believed the treaty was too harsh on Germany. Other senators did not agree with the treaty's creation of more colonies for Great Britain and France. Most of the opposition was centered on the League of Nations provision of the treaty. The American public was weary of joining the League of Nations. Isolationism had become a powerful force in the post-war United States.
Which regions did US imperialism supporters aim have an influence in>
Pacific, eastern Asia, Caribbean, and middle and south America which is Latin America. Alaska, Panama Canal, Guantánamo, Puerto Rico, Guam, Virgin Islands, Philippine Islands, Wake Island, Hawaiian Islands, Howland Island, Midway Island, American Samoa, Jarvis Island, Kingman Reef, Palmyra Atoll, Johnston Atoll, Aleutian Islands, and Baker Island.
What became of the Rhineland, due to the Treaty of Versailles?
Part of the Rhineland was made a demilitarized zone in the hopes of preventing future attacks. Some of the trench warfare that plagued the Great War took place in this area.
What other island did US forces take control of before Spanish forces surrendered?
Puerto Rico
What later became of Puerto Rico in 1952?
Puerto Rico was made a commonwealth of the United States in 1952.
Describe the significance of the Supreme Court case decision of the US v Schenck in 1919 (the Schenck decision)
Restrictive laws like the Sedition Act were seen as a violation of the First Amendment right guaranteeing freedom of speech. Charles Schenck, a leader of the U.S. Socialist Party, was charged under the act after passing out leaflets that compared the draft to slavery. After he was convicted, he argued that his constitutional rights had been violated. In the Schenck decision, the Supreme Court upheld the conviction. They upheld the Sedition Act, stating the public's First Amendment right to free speech could be suspended during wartime. At the time, the government considered it more important to suppress dissent than to guarantee individual liberties.
How did President Theodore Roosevelt use the "Great White Fleet"?
Roosevelt was a supporter of the ideas of both Turner and Mahan. During his presidency, Roosevelt sent the "Great White Fleet" of U.S. Navy battleships around the world on a 14-month cruise around the world. This show of American power demonstrated the "big stick" to the world under peaceful conditions.
What role did Russia play in the Paris Peace Conference?
Russia was not a participant. They had withdrawn from the Allies in 1917 after the Russian Revolution.
Which nations became the known as the "Allied Powers"?
Russia, Finland, France, Italy, Scotland, Ireland, England, Wales, Portugal, Romania, Greece, Serbia, Albania, Montenegro, Denmark, Cyprus, Sicily, Sardinia, Corsica, Belgium, and Tunisia.
Which nation (that bordered Austria-Hungary) did Russia guarantee the safety of?
Serbia
Why did they respond this way?
Shocked by the war, many Americans wanted nothing to do with foreign powers. Americans wanted to focus on the United States and let Europe solve its own problems. American isolationism was chiefly reflected in public opposition to joining the League of Nations. Critics felt that membership would restrict America's ability to independently conduct its foreign affairs. The most objectionable part of the League of Nations proposal was Article X. Article X required nations to defend a member nation if it was attacked. This call for military responses to acts of aggression went against the idea of isolationism. Some also believed this violated the constitutional right of Congress to declare war.
Which European nation was Cuba a colony of?
Spain
Describe what Spain agreed to do with the territories of Cuba, Puerto Rico, Guam and the Philippines
Spain gave up its rights to Cuba. It also gave Guam and Puerto Rico to the United States. The United States paid Spain $20 million for control over the Philippines.
What was "yellow journalism" and why was it printed?
Style of journalism. These newspapers were well known for sensationalist, or exaggerated, stories. Often their stories were accompanied by dramatic headlines and shocking illustrations. Named after a popular comic strip called "The Yellow Kid," one of the first comic strips in an American newspaper. They wanted to increase readership.
Why did people in the US even want the Philippines?
Supporters saw the Philippines as an important U.S. possession for economic and strategic reasons. The Philippine islands are between the China Sea and Pacific Ocean, which means the islands greatly improved access to Asian markets for American businesses.
Explain how the Russian Revolution led to a call for the US to declare war
Th Russian people overthrew the monarchy and created a democratic government. With this change, Americans began to view the war as a war of democracy against autocracy. Russia soon withdrew from the war, reducing the Allied forces. Americans supporting the Allies pushed harder for the U.S. to fill the void and enter the war against the Central Powers.
Explain how the discovery of the Zimmerman Note led to a call for the US to declare war
The British gave Wilson the text of the Zimmerman Note they had decoded. It had been sent to the government of Mexico. The message said that if the United States were to go to war against Germany then Germany would give Mexico financial support for an invasion of the U.S. This would help Mexico regain the territory it had lost in the Mexican-American war. Mexico showed no interest in the offer. By making the telegram public, Wilson turned American opinion firmly in favor of supporting the Allies. A month later the U.S. declared war on Germany and its allies.
Explain how Allied Powers and Germany managed to pay their wartime debts
The Dawes Plan called for American investors to loan $2.5 billion to Germany. Germany would pay the money to France and Britain. Those nations would then use the German payments to settle their war debt with America. In effect, America had created a plan to repay itself with its own money. The Dawes Plan gave Germany some economic stability, but the country was still unable to continue repaying debts and a new plan had to be adopted several years later.
What was the "Eastern" and "Western Fronts"?
The Eastern Front is the border between the nations in the Allied powers that are to the East of the nations in the Central powers and the nations of the central powers. The Western Front is the border between allied powers to the west of the central power nations and the central power nations.
What was President Wilson's plan for the peace treaty referred to as?
The Fourteen Points.
Describe what the Great Migration was and explain how World War I helped lead to it
The Great Migration was the migration of African Americans from the south to the north. They left because of Jim Crow laws in the south and job opportunities. There were job opportunities during WWI up north. The factories that were making supplies for the war effort needed to hire people, so a lot of African Americans moved up north for jobs.
Explain how the US obtained the rights to the land to build the Panama Canal
The Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty. The Columbian government refused the terms of agreement with the United States to build the canal. Upon hearing that rebels in Panama wished to rebel against the Columbian government and establish a separate country, the US offered its support. Panama became an independent country and signed the Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty. The treaty gave the US permanent control of the land in Panama and the right to construct the canal. In return, the US promised to pay for canal usage and to protect the new nation.
Explain what happened to the Lusitania on May 7, 1915 and why it angered Americans so much
The Lusitania was 3,000 miles away from Europe and the hostilities there did not seem to directly threaten Americans. The Lusitania was carrying 4,200 cases of rifle bullets and other military cargo for the British army. The Germans had issued a warning to Americans traveling on ships carrying weapons for the Allies and had specifically mentioned the Lusitania. Few Americans had taken them seriously. Since the war began, the Lusitania had made several round trips across the Atlantic without incident. The Lusitania was carrying 1,924 passengers and crew. Among the 1,198 killed by the German torpedo were 128 Americans and 63 small children. Now Americans were outraged, and Wilson's declared neutrality was threatened. Theodore Roosevelt demanded that the U.S. declare war, but Wilson still held to the position of neutrality.
What happened to the USS Maine on February 15, 1898?
The Maine exploded in Havana Harbor, killing 266 sailors.
What impact did the Panama Canal have on the U.S.'s presence in Latin America?
The Panama Canal enhanced the already strong US presence in Latin America. The United States had long considered Latin America to be within its sphere of influence. This means that American leaders believed they had a right to shape events in the countries to the south through political, economic, or military pressure.
What did the Platt Amendment declare?
The Platt Amendment made Cuba a protectorate. The amendment declared that Cuba could not give any of its lands to a foreign government other than the U.S. It also limited Cuba's right to negotiate treaties. It gave the United States permanent lease for a naval base at Guantánamo Bay and stated that the United States had the right to intervene in Cuban affairs. In return, the United States guaranteed that U.S. troops would be removed from Cuba.
Describe how the actions of the U.S. in the Philippines impacted Spain and the Filipinos
The Spanish lost around 400 men after the first attack in Manila Harbor. Spanish forces surrendered on August 14, 1898 after the Filipino rebels took capital in the capital of Manila.
Why does this make the US a "World Power" now?
The US won the war against Spain. America had territories around the world. When Spain lost, they signed a peace treaty. Spain gave the US Guam and Puerto Rico. Spain gave the US rights to buy the Philippines. Cuba became a free country and was heavily influenced by the US and the US limited Cuba's freedom.
Explain how the Sedition Act of 1918 attempted to prevent opposition to the war effort
The act made it a crime to make any communication that interfered with the war effort or to say anything disloyal to the U.S. government. Those who violated this law could be jailed for up to 20 years and receive a $10,000 fine. Socialist Emma Goldman spent two years in jail, paid a $10,000 fine, and was deported to Russia for organizing a group against the draft. There were more than 2,000 prosecutions under the Sedition Act with over half resulting in jail time and fines.
Describe the US forces that were sent to Cuba
The army was largely made up of volunteers. One volunteer division was the now-famous Rough Riders, a cavalry division that served as foot soldiers in Cuba. There were two African American divisions, the Ninth and Tenth cavalries. Most of the troops sent to Cuba from the United States left from Tampa, Florida. Tampa had a large population of Cubans.
Who were the two leading figures, newspaper publishers responsible for most of the yellow journalism?
The articles mainly appeared in two New York newspapers, the New York Journal, published by William Randolph Hearst, and the New York World, published by Joseph Pulitzer.
Explain how the US became more economically invested with the Allied Powers
The fighting threatened American Industry. American businesses, especially manufacturers of weapons, wanted to trade with both sides. Trade with the Allies tripled during the early years of the war. However, a British naval blockade prevented neutral ships from reaching Germany and the Central Powers. At this point, the United States became economically tied to the Allies. October 1915, the Allies sought to borrow money from American banks. American loans to Britain and France had reached $2.25 billion, while loans to Germany amounted to only $27 million.
Explain how were "war bonds" used by the US government to help the war effort
The increased tax revenue was not enough to meet the costs of the war, so the government sold war bonds to private citizens to raise money for the war effort. Liberty Loan and Victory Loan bonds were purchased by citizens who could redeem them later for higher than the purchase price. The government borrowed billions of dollars from citizens to finance the war.
Describe what became of Germany's government as the war ended
The leader of Germany, Kaiser Wilhelm, gave up his throne. The German government that was is no longer. A new democratic government was created in Germany. It is called the Weimer Republic. The members of the Weimer Republic went into peace talks and signed the peace treaty that officially ended WWI.
How was the motivation of most Allied nations different from that of President Wilson during the creation of the Treaty of Versailles?
The other Allied nations had suffered four years of bloodshed. They wanted punishment as much as they wanted peace. The French Premier had witnessed two German invasions of France. The British prime minister had promised to "Make Germany Pay" for starting the war. They opposed most of Wilson's Fourteen Points. In the end, Wilson sacrificed those points in return for the promise of a League of Nations. After the details of the treaty were agreed upon, the Big Four met with leaders of the defeated nations to sign the treaty.
Explain what an "imperialism" foreign policy is
The policy of creating colonies in weaker nations in order to generate raw materials and have access to new markets.
Describe the US' "expansionism" policy
The policy of growing a nation's physical territory or political influence. Americans concentrated on expanding their nation westward across the continent. This expansion was based on the concept of Manifest Destiny-the belief that God wanted the United States to reach from the Atlantic to the Pacific. This focus took up much of the country's efforts. The U.S. was also in a civil war, so, as a result, the U.S. took little part in foreign affairs for much of the 1800s.
Describe the role of Theodore Roosevelt during the Spanish American War
The second in command of the Rough Riders was Theodore Roosevelt. He had resigned his post as assistant secretary of the navy to recruit and train volunteers. He gained national fame for his service.
How did the political borders change, due to the Treaty of Versailles?
The treaty created several new nations, including Poland and Yugoslavia, and changed the boundaries of many other nations. The Ottoman Empire was divided into areas that were given to France and Great Britain as temporary colonies until they were ready to rule themselves. The treaty had returned the region of Alsace-Lorraine to France. Russia was unhappy about the treaty. The Russians had fought on the side of the Allies and lost more people than any other nation. But under the treaty Russia lost more territory than Germany. The Russians were determined to regain the lost territory.
Describe the "war guilt clause" and the impact it had on Germany
The war-guilt clause forced Germany to admit guilt for starting the war. German leaders were bitter about the treaty but had little choice in the matter.
How did they "Black Hand" seek to carry out their goal?
They assassinated Archduke Franz Ferdinand.
What became of Puerto Rico and Guam?
They became territories of the United States.
How was Cuba's independence restricted by the Platt Amendment?
They couldn't give any of its land to a foreign government other than the U.S. It limited Cuba's right to negotiate treaties. The United States had the right to intervene in Cuban affairs.
Describe what happened in Russia shortly after the US entered the war and how did this impact Germany
They had a second revolution called the Bolshevik Revolution. They quit the war. They negotiated a peace with Germany and Austria-Hungary. They had to give up territories to Germany, Austria-Hungary, and the Ottoman Empire. Germany no longer had to have soldiers on the Eastern Front. The soldiers went to the Western Front.
Describe "Meatless Mondays" and "Wheatless Wednesdays"
They urged families to reduce consumption of key samples to aid the war effort. Meatless Monday called for every Tuesday to be meatless and to have one meatless meal a day for a total of nine meatless meals each week. They created the slogan "food will win the war" and coined the terms "Meatless Tuesday" and "Wheatless Wednesday" to remind Americans to reduce intake of those products.
Explain who the "Black Hand" was and what they wanted
They were a Serbian nationalist group. They felt that there was a section of the country, Austria-Hungary, that had a lot of Serbians living in it, so because there were so many Serbians living there, they should have the right to break away and have its freedom from Austria-Hungary. There are so many Serbians there, they should not be controlled by the Austro-Hungarians. They should break away and instead be part of the nation of Serbia. They are nationalists that feel as though Serbia should break away.
Describe what was motivating Germany to want to end the war quickly
They were on the verge of starvation, because of a British blockade.
What was the significance of the group known as the "Big Four" and who were their members?
They were the leaders who worked out the details of the peace agreement together. Its members were the British prime minister, David Lloyd George, the French premier, Georges Clemenceau, the Italian prime minister, Vittorio Orlando, and the U.S. president, Woodrow Wilson.
Describe the League of Nations, called for in the plan
This is the fourteenth point, and, in Wilson's opinion, the most important. This organization would offer mutual guarantees of political independence and territorial integrity to great and small nations alike. Wilson saw this organization as a forum for settling disputes between nations before they turned into global conflicts. When disputes occurred, the League could use a variety of sanctions. These included verbal sanctions, which were warnings to correct an action or face consequences. They could also place economic sanctions on a nation, such as preventing any number of nations from trading with the offender. Military force could also be used against a nation that violated League principles.
Why was President Theodore Roosevelt's 1901-1908 policy called the "Big Stick Policy"?
This policy was a foreign policy that used U.S. power to police foreign nations, particularly those in Latin America. President Theodore Roosevelt once stated that he loved the West African Proverb: "Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far."
Why did Europe nations practice imperialism? What did they have to gain?
To acquire raw materials and sell their goods in new markets.
Describe what the US proposed in the "Open Door Policy"
To allow all nations to trade freely in China. European governments realized that the policy would greatly benefit the United States and take away the power that the European nations had accumulated. Thus, they were reluctant to accept this policy.
Explain how following the end of the Sussex Pledge led to a call for the US to declare war
To compel Britain to make peace, the Germans announced that they were canceling the Sussex Pledge and resuming unrestricted submarine warfare. Three days later, Wilson broke off diplomatic relations with Germany. Then the British gave Wilson the text of a secret German telegram they had decoded, written by a German diplomat named Alfred Zimmerman.
What was the overall goal of his plan?
To foster world peace. Settling disputes between nations before they turned into global conflicts.
What treaty did Spain agree to, ending the war between the US and Spain?
Treaty of Paris
Why did people, like Alfred T. Mahan, argue in favor of US imperialism?
Turner's Thesis, which argued that Americans should seek a new frontier in foreign lands because it would help Americans maintain their inventive and energetic spirits, influenced U.S. leaders by encouraging the belief that the nation's identity itself relied on expansion. Alfred T. Mahan argued that a strong navy was vital to the long-term success of great powers. He pointed out that government could encourage the development of sea-based industries by building its sea power. He argued that a strong navy could ensure safe shipping of goods. He declared the best way for the U.S. government to do this was to control ports on distant shores, which prevented external sea threats from coming even remotely close to the nation.
Explain why the battles of San Juan Hill and Kettle Hill were so significant
U.S. forces took the village of El Caney in July and then captured San Juan Hill. Nearby, the Rough Riders and the Ninth and Tenth cavalries captured Kettle Hill. The Spanish were forced to surrender.
Describe what action the US took in the Philippines after declaring war on Spain
US military leaders drew up plans to attack other Spanish holdings. Commodore George Dewey, commander of the U.S. naval fleet in Asia, ordered his fleet to Manila Bay in the Philippines. These islands had been a Spanish possession since the 1500s. On May 1, 1898, Dewey's fleet attacked the Spanish fleet in Manila Harbor and defeated it. The Spanish lost around 400 men, while the U.S. Navy lost none. Dewey attacked the Filipino capital of Manila, assisted by the Filipino rebel army, led by Emelio Aguinaldo. The Filipino rebels took the capital.
Describe trench warfare used during the war
Used throughout the Western Front. Slowed the war down. Once both sides dig into their trenches, it's very difficult to get their opponent out of the trenches. Soldiers died trying to get the other side out of their trenches. Trying to cross no man's land, you'll probably get shot.
Describe Victory Gardens
Vegetable, fruit, and herb gardens planted at private residences and public parks to help prevent a food shortage and boost morale.
Describe the transition many countries had from wartime to peacetime following end of the war
War fatigue. A struggle to transition. Ready for the war to end. Struggle to revert back to peace time. Struggle to find employment.
What did President Wilson declare the US would do when war broke out in 1914?
When war broke out, President Woodrow Wilson declared that the United States must remain neutral. He also demanded that the warring nations respect American neutrality.
Describe the idea of "self-determination" outlined in the plan
Wilson declared that distinct ethnic groups should be allowed to form new nations or decide to which nation they would offer allegiance. It's the right of a nation-state to choose its own political system and leaders.
What did William McKinley do with the Hawaiian Islands when he became President?
With the support of President William McKinley, Hawaii was annexed in 1898.
Was the League of Nations created?
Yes, but America never joined the League of Nations. The United States made a separate peace treaty with Germany in 1921. American reluctance to join the League of Nations greatly weakened the organization. Its membership would have given the League more prestige and power. As events in Europe began to move toward yet another war, the League was powerless to intervene.
