WWI Constructed Response Practice Questions

1. Identify the cause of WWI illustrated in the cartoon 1. Identify the cause of WWI illustrated in the cartoon. Explain this cause using two details from the cartoon.

First Period Alliances The littler guy is getting picked on and he’s being backed up by the other countries It’s starting more fights as each person threatens hitting someone AKA they declared “war” on the other country (person) Threats made (not acted out) on allies “If you touch me I’ll…” (threat of action) “If you strike my friend, I’ll…” (threat of action against an ally)

Second Period Austria attacks little country of Serbia and then other countries joined to fight with their allies Germany is protecting Austria-Hungary Britain is the last to join the fight The cause of WWI was one country threatening another and its alliances coming to the rescue The countries are represented by people threatening to hit another “country” The countries are yelling threatening things in order to protect their allies

Fourth Period The one guy touching the boy (Serbia on Austria-Hungary) The chain started with him and everyone started to defend their friend. Looks like the German is closer and then the other two are farther Score: 1 The cause of WWI was because of an Austro-Hungarian being attacked and then several countries coming to his defense. The third guy, the German, came after the Russian The last person to come to his defense is the English Score: 3

2. Analyze the message of this political cartoon 2. Analyze the message of this political cartoon. Provide two features or details from the cartoon in your response.

First Period Germany is being forced to make peace Hand wrapped around Germany Dialogue- countries shoving peace pill in Germany’s mouth Trying to get Germany to agree to peace terms The fingers represent the counties holding Germany The “pill” represents the terms

Second Period It is a message saying that Germany has to come to an agreement with the peace whether they like it or not The hand represents each country other than Germany, forcing the person to stay still The countries are also represented by people shoving the “peace treaty” down Germany’s throat. The Big Four want Germany to make peace with them and stop fighting The hand is holding Germany, the hand is all four allies who want peace They are also feeding the man, “Germany,” a pill that says peace terms. All Four are serving this pill to him.

Fourth Period Allied powers want to defeat someone. Feeding the enemy something they want. Crushing the enemy. Score: 0 Germany was forced to accept peace terms. I know this because Germany is being held tight in a fist and being fed a ‘pill’ that says “peace terms.” The four Allied leaders are standing on the pill box, holding the spoon with the pill on it. Score: 3

3. Contrast two differences between Wilson’s Fourteen Points plan and the Treaty of Versailles from the chart below.

First Period Wilson’s plan wants freedom of seas whereas Treaty of Versailles does not Wilson’s plan wants free trade but under Versailles Germany would have to pay $33 billion back Wilson wants less army involvement and the treaty wanted more army to destroy Germany’s Wilson wants just free trade; treaty gets Germany to pay $33 billion

Second Period The 14 Points plan wanted less military but the Treaty of Versailles called for defeating Germany’s military The 14 Points plan called for free trade but the Treaty of Versailles said that Germany owed $33 billion for damages in WWI 14 Points has free trade but Versailles has $33 billion for trade 14 Points has adjust colonies but Versailles has nothing and has divided Germany

Fourth Period One settlement was a $33 billion war debt for internal damages. This was destructive as it is a ridiculous amount to pay back. Another settlement was the abolition of German military which actually led to the re-growth and defiance that spurred WWII. Score: 1 Was not effective at all- WWII still happened Make size of German military smaller -> Germans resented demands Forced to pay war debts -> hurt already crippled German economy Score: 3

4. The peace settlement following WWI was greatly determined by Great Britain, France and the United States at the Palace of Versailles. Germany reluctantly signed the treaty. Evaluate the effectiveness of the Versailles Treaty. Include two settlements and the impact of each in your response. Issue Treaty settlement Problems War debt Because of the treaty, the new German Republic had to make large payments to pay for damage caused by the war. These payments would hurt an already damaged German economy. Fear of German strength The treaty limited the size of the German military. Germans resented the treaty demands. Nationalism The treaty created new states. Some ethnic groups became unwanted minorities in new states. Colonies and other non-European territories The treaty created a system of mandates. Mandates added to imperial rule instead of ending it. League of Nations The treaty established the League of Nations. The United States did not join, thereby weakening the League’s power

First Period The Treaty mainly effected Germany and in a very bad way, it led them to deep debt. It did make others happy because they felt as though Germany should be punished. The Treaty created mandates which only added to imperial rule Treaty established the League of Nations, but the US didn’t join so it wasn’t that effective The treaty was not that effective because each settlement had problems. These problems were very serious and some led to WWII. One settlement was made to combat the war debt, causing Germany to pay a lot of money. However, Germany was already hurt economically. Another settlement was there to limit German strength, cutting down the size of their military. This was a problem because Germany was reluctant and angry, which caused future issues.

Second Period Treaty of Versailles was not effective Germany’s debt Made the country’s financial situation worse German military limitations Didn’t really matter, Germany started WWII

Fourth Period At Versailles, the Allies demanded payment and demilitarization of Germany. This crippled the German economy. Germany also resented this treaty. Score: 1 The Versailles Treaty wasn’t effective at all. The new German republic had to make large payments because of the damage of the war which hurt the economy even more. Because of the new states that were created some ethnic groups became unwanted. Score: 3