WW1 Flashcards
What were the four main reasons for the Spanish-American War?
1) Protecting American sugar interests in Cuba 2) Supporting Cuban independence 3) USS Maine explosion 4) Yellow journalism
What major territories did the US gain after the Spanish-American War?
The Philippines, Guam, and Puerto Rico
What was yellow journalism’s role in the Spanish-American War?
It published exaggerated news reports to scare people and increase newspaper sales
How many American sailors died in the USS Maine explosion?
247 men
What was Theodore Roosevelt’s famous diplomatic motto?
Speak softly and carry a big stick
What was the main purpose of Roosevelt’s Big Stick Diplomacy?
To resolve conflicts peacefully while maintaining strong military/political power as backup
Why did Roosevelt help Panama gain independence?
To enable the construction of the Panama Canal
What was the main benefit of the Panama Canal?
It cut travel time between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans in half
What was the Roosevelt Corollary?
An addition to the Monroe Doctrine warning European powers to stay out of Latin America
What does M.A.I.N. stand for in WWI’s causes?
Militarism, Alliances, Imperialism, Nationalism
What was Militarism in the context of WWI?
The movement for nations to grow their military power to expand influence
What was Imperialism in the context of WWI?
Extending a nation’s power through military force or diplomatic agreements
What was Nationalism in the context of WWI?
Intense loyalty to one’s country
What event directly triggered WWI?
The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand by Serbian rebels
Which countries were the major Allied Powers in WWI?
Great Britain, France, Belgium, Serbia, Russia (until 1917)
Why did Russia leave WWI in 1917?
A revolution forced them to pull out leading to the formation of the Soviet Union
Why did Great Britain join WWI?
They were allies with France and Belgium who were under German attack
Which countries were the major Central Powers?
Germany, Austria-Hungary, Bulgaria, Ottoman Empire
Why did Germany want to enter WWI?
To expand their empire to compete with Great Britain
Why did the Ottoman Empire join the Central Powers?
They wanted to regain power and believed Germany would win
What were the main events that led the US to join WWI?
1) Lusitania sinking 2) Zimmermann Telegram 3) Political ties to Britain 4) Inability to remain neutral
What was the Zimmermann Telegram?
A German offer to Mexico promising US territory in exchange for attacking the US
How many Americans died in the Lusitania sinking?
Almost 150 Americans
Which president led the US during WWI?
Woodrow Wilson
What were the five major new technologies in WWI?
1) Airplanes 2) Tanks 3) Machine guns 4) Poison gas 5) Submarines
What were German submarines called?
U-Boats
What was the initial purpose of airplanes in WWI?
Spying on enemies
What was the most common disease in the trenches?
Trench Foot
What were the key punishments for Germany in the Treaty of Versailles?
1) Lost territory 2) Paid billions in reparations 3) Reduced military power
Why did the US reject the Treaty of Versailles?
They wanted to return to isolationism
Why did the US refuse to join the League of Nations?
It would force them to get involved in international affairs
Who were the Harlem Hell-Fighters?
A regiment of African-American soldiers who fought in France
How many total deaths occurred in WWI?
Over 16 million
What roles did Theodore Roosevelt hold before becoming president?
Writer, cowboy, conservationist, governor, and war hero
What military unit did Roosevelt lead during the Spanish-American War?
The Rough Riders
What major business action did Roosevelt take against monopolies?
He broke up monopolies like Rockefeller’s Standard Oil
What was Roosevelt’s contribution to food safety?
He enforced the Meat Inspection Act to reform the meatpacking industry
What was Roosevelt’s environmental legacy?
He expanded the National Park System
How did Roosevelt handle labor issues?
He dealt with union leaders and strikers to reach business agreements
What presidential number was Theodore Roosevelt?
26th President
Why did Russia initially join WWI?
To regain national pride after losing the Russo-Japanese War
What major change occurred in Russia during 1917?
A revolution that transformed Russia into the Soviet Union (USSR)
What was France’s main goal in WWI?
To regain land lost during an earlier war with Germany
What atrocity occurred in Belgium?
Germans killed many innocent civilians while marching through the country
Where did the first battles of WWI take place?
In Serbia
What was Austria-Hungary’s goal in WWI?
To take control of Serbia using the Archduke’s assassination as justification
What motivated Bulgaria to join WWI?
To reclaim territory from a recent border dispute with Serbia
What were the main features of trench warfare?
1) Barbed wire around trenches 2) No running water/electricity 3) Disease risk 4) No Man’s Land between trenches
Why was disease more common than combat injuries in trenches?
Due to rats, dirt, and cold conditions
What was “No Man’s Land”?
The dangerous area between opposing trenches where soldiers became clear targets
How were the Harlem Hell-Fighters treated in France?
They were treated as equals and earned many awards for valor and bravery
What impact did the Harlem Hell-Fighters’ return home have?
Their experience of equality in France vs discrimination at home sparked new Civil Rights activism
What new countries were formed from former Russian territory?
Finland and Poland
What was an armistice?
An agreement to stop fighting until a peace treaty could be reached
What was the League of Nations intended to be?
A global peacekeeping organization
How did the Treaty of Versailles affect future conflicts?
Germany’s resentment over harsh terms contributed to the start of WWII
What was a significant but often uncredited aspect of the Spanish-American War?
African Americans participated but their contributions often went uncredited
What major change in US global status occurred after the Spanish-American War?
The United States became a world power
What happened to Cuba after the Spanish-American War?
Cuba gained independence from Spain
