US Boom Years

Question 1

When were the boom years in the US

Answer 1

1860 to1900s

Question 2

Why did the US boom in the 1900s

Answer 2

• Vast country - lots of natural resources
• Large population - workforce and consumers.
• Didn’t need to export good - could make their own and sell them to the American people

Question 3

What is the Consumer Cycle

Answer 3

(1) Raw materials - (2) Industry - (3) People -
(4) Jobs ($) - (5) invest in technology…….
(1) Raw materials(repeat)

Question 4

What is ISOLATIONISM?

Answer 4

When WW1 started in Europe in 1914, the US didn’t want to become involved. They had a policy of Isolationism.

This meant that they were only interested in America. They wanted to be on their own.

Question 5

Why did the US adopt the policy of Isolationism in 1914.

Answer 5

1. Lots of own citizens were from both sides of the European enemies - All American - why upset Anyone.
2. European war was a long way from US - nothing to do with us.
3. War = expensive + loss of life and workforce.
4. Goods and weapons sold to Europe = booming economy - war = good business for US - + it developed new technology and materials.

Question 6

What happened in 1917?

Answer 6

US was forced to join allies when the German submarines in the Atlantic became a threat to US ships

Question 7

When did the US start to actually fight in WW1.

Answer 7

1918

Although they joined in 1917, it took the US a long time to prepare for war. They started fighting in 1918…..6 months later, the war ended

Question 8

What was the effect of WW1 on the US?

Answer 8

1. All fighting in Europe - so US infrastructure remained in tact.
2. Before the War, Germany had a large chemical industry. The US wanted to destroy it so that after the war, they could dominate this industry - and produce new products (eg plastics). These new products would make many European products obsolete.

Question 9

How did e US benefit from WW1?

Answer 9

After WW1 (1918) Europe was exhausted, poor, shortage of men (labour force), and industry was destroyed.

America - would step in and well goods to Europe

Question 10

Did the US lend money to European countries during WW1?

Answer 10

Yes

And refused to cancel their debts after the war.

In fact - US lent Europeans more money so that they could buy American goods. Help boost consumer boom in US

Question 11

How did President Woodrow Wilson intend to stop future wars in Europe?

Answer 11

He wanted to set up the - League of Nations (a “world” Parliament) - (his idea) - but American people didn’t like this and never signed up.

Question 12

Why didn’t the US join the League of Nations?

Answer 12

1. They wanted to go back to pre-war Isolationism.
2. They were scared of being pulled into an expensive European war - own citizens were German, French, Austrian - didn’t want to upset own People.
3. May of German Americans didn’t like the Treaty of Versailles (blamed Germans for the war) - saw League of Nations as being part of the Treaty
4. Mistrusted British and French - may be forced to protect colonies - American war on independence!
5. Didn’t want to police the world.
6. Wanted to get back to making $$$. Opportunity to export goods. US made money staying out of European affairs

Question 13

What Treaty did included the League of Nations?

Answer 13

The Treaty of Versailles.

This was the treaty that was signed following the end of WW1