WORLD WAR I: Military & Diplomacy [APUSH Review Unit 7 Topic 5] Period 7: 1898-1945

Summary

In this video, Heimler’s History covers World War I as part of the AP U.S. History curriculum. The video begins with the outbreak of the war in 1914 following the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, highlighting the formation of the Allied and Central Powers. The U.S. initially maintained neutrality, but several events, including the sinking of the Lusitania, German unrestricted submarine warfare, and the interception of the Zimmermann Telegram, led the U.S. to declare war in 1917. The video also delves into President Woodrow Wilson’s involvement in the Treaty of Versailles and the creation of the League of Nations, despite Congress refusing to ratify it. Ultimately, the U.S. played a pivotal role in tipping the balance of the war in favor of the Allies.

Takeaways

• 😀 World War I started in July 1914 after the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, leading to the formation of two coalitions: the Allied Powers (Britain, Russia, France) and the Central Powers (Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy).
• 😀 The United States initially maintained neutrality in the war but was drawn in due to a series of events, including the sinking of the Lusitania in 1915, which killed 128 Americans.
• 😀 Germany’s unrestricted submarine warfare, which involved sinking ships in the war zone, especially American ships, further strained U.S.-German relations and led to a diplomatic standoff.
• 😀 The tipping point for U.S. involvement was the interception of the Zimmermann Telegram, in which Germany sought to involve Mexico in a war against the United States, promising territorial gains in exchange.
• 😀 On April 2, 1917, President Woodrow Wilson asked Congress for a declaration of war against Germany, framing the conflict as a fight to make the world safe for democracy.
• 😀 The U.S. entered the war with the American Expeditionary Forces (AEF), which initially supported the French and British lines but eventually took command of part of the Western Front, helping to shift the war's balance in favor of the Allies.
• 😀 The war ended on November 11, 1918, with the signing of the Treaty of Versailles, which had significant consequences for Germany, despite Wilson’s efforts to create a more peaceful post-war world.
• 😀 Woodrow Wilson’s vision for peace was outlined in his Fourteen Points, which included provisions for freedom of the seas, self-determination of nations, and the creation of a League of Nations.
• 😀 The League of Nations, a key aspect of Wilson’s peace plan, was established but faced opposition in the U.S., leading to Congress rejecting U.S. membership due to concerns over entangling the nation in future conflicts without Congressional approval.
• 😀 Despite Wilson's failure to secure full U.S. involvement in the League of Nations, the organization was created, but without the nation that had championed it, ultimately weakening the League's effectiveness in preventing future global conflicts.

Q & A

What event triggered the start of World War I?

The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in July 1914 triggered the start of World War I.

What were the two main alliances during World War I?

The two main alliances were the Triple Entente, consisting of Britain, Russia, and France (Allied Powers), and the Triple Alliance, consisting of Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy (Central Powers).

How did the United States initially respond to World War I?

The United States initially maintained a stance of neutrality with respect to European conflicts.

What event in 1915 made it difficult for the U.S. to remain neutral?

The sinking of the Lusitania by Germany in 1915, killing 128 Americans, made it difficult for the U.S. to remain neutral.

What was Germany's policy of unrestricted submarine warfare?

Germany's policy of unrestricted submarine warfare involved sinking any ship, military or civilian, that entered the war zone around the British Isles.

What was the Zimmermann Telegram and how did it impact U.S. neutrality?

The Zimmermann Telegram was a secret message from Germany to Mexico, encouraging Mexico to go to war with the U.S. in exchange for the return of lands lost in the Mexican-American War. The interception of this telegram led the U.S. to declare war on Germany.

When did the U.S. formally enter World War I?

The U.S. formally entered World War I on April 2, 1917, when President Woodrow Wilson asked Congress for a declaration of war against Germany.

What was the role of the American Expeditionary Forces (AEF) in World War I?

The American Expeditionary Forces, commanded by General John J. Pershing, initially plugged gaps in the French and British lines but later took over portions of the Western Front, tipping the balance of the war in favor of the Allies.

What was the purpose of Woodrow Wilson's Fourteen Points?

Woodrow Wilson's Fourteen Points aimed to establish lasting peace after the war. Key elements included freedom of the seas, self-determination for nations, and the creation of a League of Nations.

What was the outcome of the Treaty of Versailles and how did it affect Germany?

The Treaty of Versailles officially ended the war in November 1918. It punished Germany severely, imposing heavy reparations and territorial losses, which contributed to future tensions leading to World War II.

Why was the United States hesitant to join the League of Nations?

The U.S. was hesitant to join the League of Nations because Congress feared that membership could lead to the country being dragged into wars without congressional approval, as the League's decisions could potentially compel the U.S. to act militarily.