The First World War 1914-1920 Flashcards
Give 2 political reasons why the US was staying out of the war?
The Monroe Doctrine stated the US should avoid foreign entanglements with European powers
Wilson was a mediator and believed in neutrality - he offered to mediate any settlement in 1914 (this was called Wilsonianism)
Give 3 social reasons why the US was staying out of the war?
Public anti-war opinion - in August 1914 1500 people marched in black robes on 5th avenue to protest it
There was also hostility towards British and German immigrants and a resentment of the British blockade which intercepted neutral ships
There was little support for a National Army, people preferred the idea of a volunteer militia which could be organised when needed.
When did the US enter the war?
4th April 1917
List the 5 main reasons the US entered the war (in order of significance)
Zimmerman Telegraph 1917 Russian Revolution 1917 Britain going bankrupt 1916 Germany's unrestricted submarine warfare Shifting political opinion
What happened with the Zimmerman Telegraph in 1917?
Germany sent a telegraph to Mexico suggesting that they become an ally and start a war with the US to distract them. However this telegraph was intercepted by the US.
How did the Russian Revolution lead to the US’ entry?
Lenin takes office in Russia after the assassination of the royal family by the communists. He negotiates the Brest-Litovosk which removes Russia from the war and closes the Eastern front. This left Britain without an ally and with diminishing troops.
What happened in 1916 that pushed the US to join?
Britain warns that if the US doesn’t join them they will go bankrupt and won’t be able to continue the war
How did Germany’s unrestricted submarine warfare lead the US entry?
In 1915, Germany sank the American passenger ship the Lusitania which created massive anti-German protests and led them to stop unrestricted submarine warfare. However due to their poor economic position in 1916 they start it again.
How had political opinion shifted to more pro-war?
William Jennings-Bryan, a vocal opponent to the war had resigned from office.
Big business were in support of the war because so far it had greatly improved productivity and trade (trade with allies rising by 400% from 1914-16)
Also influential politicians like Roosevelt and Henry Cabot Lodge were in favour.
Why didn’t troops make an immediate impact in 1917?
Because they needed calling up through conscription and the Selective Service Act 1917 and then training and equipping.
Give a brief overview of the US’ role in the war abroad
By January 1918 they were arriving at a rate of 250,000 a month and were instrumental in pushing back Germany’s final Spring Offensive. This was the nail in the coffin for Germany who in November 1918 surrendered after losing all their allies.
What were the advantages of the Peace Process for the US?
Wilson was a dominant personality in the BIG 4 (Britain, France, US and Italy) at the Paris Peace Conference in 1919. He had also set out his 14 POINTS FOR PEACE in advance in Jan 1918 and was free from war guilt so was seen as responsible.
What were 3 successes of the Peace Process?
There were 5 treaties signed.
New countries were created including Czechoslovakia and Turkey.
The League of Nations was created to prevent disputes in the future
What were the failures of the Peace Process?
Wilson didn’t get all his 14 points through due to clashes with other countries especially Clemenceau of France who though Germany should be more harshly punished. Also he couldn’t achieve independence for the Kurds and Armenians.
