Causes of WWI Flashcards
Define militarism.
the policy of building the largest and strongest military possible to make rival countries feel threatened
Define alliances.
European countries promise to help each other if attacked
problem because small conflicts can become large wars
Define nationalism.
feeling an intense loyalty to a country or group
created rivalries and extreme competition between countries
Define imperialism.
European countries competing against each other to gain new land and resources in foreign places for power
Define assassination.
archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to Austro-Hungarian Empire, and wife are murdered
event “sparks war” and kicks off Europe’s system of alliances
What position did the United States take at the start of WWI?
neutral
Was the United States really neutral at the start of WWI?
No, because it sold weapons and war supplies to the Allies.
Why did the decision to remain neutral at the start of WWI divide public opinion in America?
the American people support both sides because of their cultural/ethnic connections
Who were three allies in WWI?
England
US
France
Russia
Who were three axis powers in WWI?
Germany
Austria-Hungary
Ottomans
Why did the German submarines cause the United States to enter WWI?
In 1917, Germany declared its subs would sink and destroy any ship, enemy or neutral, nearing Great Britain.
Why did the Zimmerman Note/Plot cause the United States to enter WWI?
It was a secret plan between Germany and Mexico stating Mexico would attack the United States to take back land if America entered WWI.
Why did the Russian Revolution cause the United States to enter WWI?
Russia overthrew the Czar in 1917, which made it easier for the United States to support the Allies because America did not believe in having one person rule a country.
Why did freedom and democracy cause the United States to enter WWI?
America needed to enter WWI to “make the world safe for democracy”.
