Period 7 1898-1946 3/10/2025 Flashcards
What was the economic relationship of the U.S. with Great Britain and France during the war?
The U.S. had a close economic tie to Great Britain and France despite being neutral.
How did the war affect U.S. businesses?
The war helped U.S. businesses prosper by selling war supplies.
What limitation did Germany’s naval blockade impose on U.S. manufacturers?
Manufacturers were only able to send supplies to one side of the war.
How much financial assistance did J.P. Morgan and other bankers provide to Great Britain and France?
They provided over $3 billion.
Fill in the blank: The U.S. government allowed _______ to help with the war effort financially.
J.P. Morgan
What was the general sentiment of most Americans regarding involvement in the war?
Most Americans favored neutrality.
This sentiment was influenced by the significant immigrant population in the U.S.
What percentage of the U.S. population were immigrants during this time?
30%
Immigrants were generally relieved to be out of the fighting.
How did many Americans perceive Germany during the war?
Most felt that Germany was a cruel bully, especially after the sinking of the Lusitania.
The sinking of the Lusitania was a pivotal event that influenced public opinion.
What role did British war propaganda play in shaping American opinion?
Britain sent over stories of German soldiers committing atrocities to influence U.S. newspapers.
This was intended to generate support for the British war effort among Americans.
What was the state of the U.S. military before the major war?
The U.S. military was unprepared for a major war.
Who urged Congress to approve the expansion of the armed forces?
President Wilson.
What significant legislation was passed in June 1916?
The National Defense Act.
What were the key provisions of the National Defense Act of June 1916?
- Increased the army to 175,000
- Authorized 50 warships in 1 year’s time
Which groups opposed the war?
- Populists
- Progressives
- Socialists
Why did some groups oppose the war?
They thought it was unnecessary and wanted to help the U.S. domestically.
Who was nominated by the Democrats in the Election of 1916?
President Wilson
What was the campaign slogan of the Democrats in the Election of 1916?
“He Kept Us Out of War”
Who did the Republicans nominate in the Election of 1916?
Charles Evans Hughes
What position did Charles Evans Hughes hold before his nomination?
Supreme Court Justice
What factors contributed to Wilson’s victory in the Election of 1916?
Wilson’s peace sentiment and Progressive leadership
What did Wilson attempt to do following his election regarding peace?
He tried to keep to his promises of peace
Where did Wilson send his foreign policy advisor to negotiate peace?
London, Paris, and Berlin
Was Wilson’s attempt to negotiate a peace settlement successful?
No, it was unsuccessful
What did Wilson state to Congress in January 1917 regarding victory?
“Victory would mean peace forced upon a loser, a victor’s terms imposed upon the vanquished”
What significant policy change did Wilson make in April 1917?
Wilson changed his policy from neutrality to war.
What was the reason for the U.S. breaking diplomatic ties with Germany?
Germany resumed their unrestricted submarine warfare, sinking 5 more U.S. ships.
What event on March 1, 1917 heightened tensions between the U.S. and Germany?
The interception of a telegram from Arthur Zimmerman, the German foreign minister, to Mexico.
What did the intercepted telegram from Germany propose to Mexico?
It proposed that Mexico ally with Germany to regain lost territories from the U.S.
What type of warfare did Germany resume that contributed to U.S. involvement in World War I?
Unrestricted submarine warfare.
True or False: The U.S. entered World War I without any prior diplomatic tensions with Germany.
False.
Fill in the blank: In April 1917, Wilson shifted from a policy of _______ to a policy of war.
neutrality
On what date did President Wilson ask Congress to recognize a state of war with Germany?
April 2, 1917
This request marked a significant moment in U.S. history as it led to the country’s entry into World War I.
What phrase did President Wilson use to describe Germany’s submarine policy?
Warfare against mankind
This phrase emphasized the moral implications of Germany’s actions during the war.
What was the main objective stated by President Wilson in his speech regarding the war?
To make the world safe again for democracy
This goal reflected Wilson’s broader vision for a post-war order based on democratic principles.
On what date did Congress vote for the declaration of war against Germany?
April 6, 1917
This vote officially marked the U.S. entry into World War I.
Who headed the War Industries Board?
Bernard Baruch
Bernard Baruch was a Wall Street broker who used his skills and contacts to control raw materials and prices during mobilization.
What role did Herbert Hoover play during the mobilization?
He took charge of the Food Administration
Hoover encouraged Americans to eat less meat and bread to send more food to troops.
Who volunteered to head the Fuel Administration?
Harry Garfield
Garfield’s efforts included saving coal, implementing daylight savings, and closing nonessential factories.
What was the purpose of the Railroad Administration headed by William McAdoo?
To take public control of railroads and coordinate traffic
McAdoo promoted standardized railroad equipment during this time.
What was the function of the National War Labor Board?
To help arbitrate disputes between workers and employees
William Taft headed the board, which resulted in wage increases, an 8-hour workday, and increased union membership.
How much money did the government raise in two years during mobilization?
$33 billion
This was achieved through increased taxes and loans, as well as Americans investing in Liberty Bonds.
What additional amount did Liberty Bonds contribute to the total funds raised?
$2 billion
This brought the total to $35 billion raised during mobilization.
Fill in the blank: Herbert Hoover encouraged Americans to eat less _______ and bread.
meat
True or False: The Fuel Administration helped to save coal and implemented daylight savings.
True
What were some outcomes of the National War Labor Board’s efforts?
Increased wages, 8-hour workday, increase in union membership
The board played a crucial role in improving labor conditions during the war.
Who took charge of propaganda to keep public support of the war effort?
George Creel
George Creel was a journalist who played a significant role in shaping public opinion during the war.
What organization used vigilante actions to attack all things German?
American Protective League
The American Protective League was known for its aggressive tactics during the war.
What does the Espionage Act (1917) provide for those who incite rebellion in the armed forces?
Imprisonment for 20 years
The Espionage Act was enacted during World War I to prevent interference with military operations.
What does the Sedition Act (1918) prohibit?
Making any disloyal or abusive remarks about the U.S. government
The Sedition Act aimed to curb dissent during wartime.
In which case was the constitutionality of the Espionage Act questioned?
Schenk v. United States
This case addressed the limits of free speech under the Espionage Act.
What was the outcome of Schenk v. United States regarding free speech?
Free speech can be limited when it represents a clear and present danger to public safety
Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes articulated this principle in his opinion.
Fill in the blank: The Espionage Act was enacted in _______.
1917
Fill in the blank: The Sedition Act was enacted in _______.
1918
True or False: The Sedition Act allows for criticism of the U.S. government.
False
The Sedition Act prohibits disloyal or abusive remarks about the government.
What legal principle was established in Schenk v. United States?
The clear and present danger test
This test determines when speech can be restricted for public safety.
What was the Selective Service Act?
A law enacted in 1917 that required all men aged 21-30 to register for military service.
The act was a response to the need for more troops during World War I.
How many men registered under the Selective Service Act?
9.5 million registered.
This number reflects the extensive recruitment efforts during World War I.
How many men were drafted from the registrations?
2.8 million drafted.
Drafting was a critical component of building military forces during the war.
How many volunteers enlisted who were not in the 21-30 age group?
2 million volunteers.
Many individuals outside the draft age still chose to serve.
How many African Americans served in the Armed Forces during this time?
400,000 served.
African Americans often served in segregated units during World War I.
What was the status of African American units during World War I?
They served in segregated units.
Segregation in the military was a common practice during this period.
What percentage was noted in the document?
145%
This may refer to a statistic relevant to the context of the effects discussed.
What significant change occurred for women in American society during the war?
More jobs were available
Women’s contributions during the war effort were pivotal.
What amendment was ratified due to women’s contributions during the war?
19th amendment
This amendment granted women the right to vote.
Which groups migrated in search of job opportunities during the war?
Mexicans and African Americans
The war created significant job opportunities leading to this migration.
Fill in the blank: Due to the amount of job opportunities the war brought about, _______ crossed the border.
[Mexicans]
This highlights the impact of the war on migration patterns.
Fill in the blank: Due to the amount of job opportunities the war brought about, _______ migrated north.
[African Americans]
This migration was part of the Great Migration movement.
What is Trench Warfare?
A method of combat involving soldiers in trenches using new technology such as machine guns, poison gas, tanks, and airplanes.
Trench warfare was a significant aspect of World War I, leading to stalemates and high casualties.
What system did the U.S. Navy implement for merchant ships?
A convoy system of armed escorts.
This system was designed to protect merchant ships carrying supplies and food to soldiers in Britain and France.
Who commanded the American Expeditionary Force (AEF)?
General John Pershing.
The AEF was responsible for a segment of the Western Front during World War I.
What was the geographical extent of the AEF’s responsibility?
A 400-plus mile stretch of land weaving through France and Belgium from the Swiss border to the North Sea.
This area was crucial for operations in World War I.
What is an armistice?
An agreement to cease hostilities.
In World War I, the Germans signed an armistice on November 11, 1918.
What did the Germans agree to in the armistice signed on November 11, 1918?
Surrender their arms, give up much of their navy, and evacuate occupied territory.
This marked the end of fighting in World War I.
How many American soldiers died in combat during World War I?
49,000 soldiers.
This figure reflects the combat fatalities during the war.
How many American soldiers died of disease during World War I?
63,432 soldiers (mostly from Spanish flu).
Disease outbreaks significantly impacted military personnel during the war.
What was the total number of American fatalities in World War I?
112,432 American fatalities.
This total includes both combat and disease-related deaths.
What was President Wilson’s ambition after the war?
A peace settlement
President Wilson aimed to ensure lasting peace following World War I.
What is the name of the detailed list created by President Wilson to prevent another war?
The 14 points
The 14 points outlined Wilson’s vision for a stable and just peace.
Name one of the four key points from President Wilson’s 14 points.
Open diplomacy
This point emphasizes transparency in international agreements.
Name another key point from President Wilson’s 14 points.
Freedom of the seas
This point advocates for the unrestricted use of international waters.
Name a third key point from President Wilson’s 14 points.
Removal of economic barriers
This point seeks to promote free trade among nations.
What is the final key point from President Wilson’s 14 points?
Creation of an association of nations
This point led to the establishment of the League of Nations.
