19-21 Flashcards
What is Trench Warfare?
A form of combat where soldiers fought from deep ditches to protect themselves from enemy fire.
Led to stalemates, horrific conditions, and massive casualties in WWI.
What was the Lusitania?
A British passenger ship sunk by a German U-boat in 1915, killing 1,198 people, including 128 Americans.
Increased anti-German sentiment in the U.S. and pushed America closer to war.
What were the long-term and immediate causes of WWI?
Militarism, alliances, imperialism, and nationalism fueled tensions, with the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand triggering war.
These factors created a highly volatile Europe, leading to a devastating global conflict.
What overt acts led the U.S. into WWI?
Germany’s unrestricted submarine warfare, the Zimmermann Telegram, and economic ties to the Allies.
These acts forced the U.S. to abandon neutrality and join the war in 1917.
What was the Selective Service Act?
A 1917 law requiring men to register for military service.
Helped rapidly build a U.S. army for WWI.
How did the U.S. mobilize for war?
The U.S. built its military through the draft, trained soldiers, and shifted industries to war production.
Allowed America to contribute effectively to the Allied victory.
What new deadly weapons were introduced in WWI?
Machine guns, tanks, poison gas, and airplanes.
Made combat more destructive and deadly than ever before.
Who was George Creel?
Head of the Committee on Public Information, which promoted pro-war propaganda.
Influenced public opinion and encouraged war support.
What was the Great Migration?
A movement where African Americans moved north for jobs and to escape racism.
Transformed U.S. demographics and increased racial tensions in cities.
What methods were used to sell the war?
Propaganda, war bonds, and government censorship.
Maintained public support for the war effort.
What were the Espionage and Sedition Acts?
Laws that criminalized criticism of the war.
Limited free speech and targeted dissenters.
What were the Fourteen Points?
President Wilson’s plan for lasting peace after WWI.
Introduced the idea of self-determination and international cooperation.
What was the League of Nations?
An international organization aimed at preventing future wars.
Failed due to U.S. non-participation but set a precedent for the United Nations.
What was the Treaty of Versailles?
The peace treaty that ended WWI, imposing harsh penalties on Germany.
Created resentment in Germany, contributing to WWII.
What were the effects of the Treaty of Versailles?
Redrew European borders, weakened Germany, and imposed reparations.
Left Germany economically devastated and politically unstable.
What were the international consequences of WWI?
Rise of totalitarian regimes, economic struggles, and colonial unrest.
Set the stage for WWII.
What is Isolationism?
A policy of avoiding foreign conflicts.
The U.S. rejected global involvement after WWI, affecting world politics.
Who were Sacco and Vanzetti?
Two Italian anarchists controversially executed for robbery and murder.
Highlighted fears of immigrants and political radicals.
What is the Quota System?
Immigration restrictions limiting certain nationalities.
Reflected growing nativism and discrimination.
Who was John L. Lewis?
A labor leader who led coal miners in a successful strike.
Strengthened the labor movement.
What was the Red Scare?
Fear of communism, anti-immigrant sentiment, and the rise of white supremacy.
Reflected deep societal anxieties about change.
What was the immigration quota system?
Limited immigration from Southern and Eastern Europe.
Reduced diversity and favored Northern Europeans.
What is a Bootlegger?
Someone who illegally transported and sold alcohol.
Helped organized crime thrive during Prohibition.
What is Fundamentalism?
A religious movement emphasizing biblical literalism.
Led to conflicts with modern science and liberal social changes.
