1. Topic 3c- The United States and World War I
Student Objectives
Analyze the causes for US entrance into World War I
Explain at least two major programs enacted by the United States government to increase their power and support during WWI
Explain opposition to the war and the major government responses and reactions to it
Describe how two groups got new rights and a better standard of living as a result of WWI

2. US entrance into World War I
Mainly European fighting
US and Woodrow Wilson- neutrality
World War I-Total War
Country dedicates all its human, economic, and military resources to fight the war
In 1914, US public opinion against war effort
1. Elaborate on the definition of total war. What do you think are specific things that need to happen to contribute to total war?

3. Causes of US Entry into World War I
Sinking of Lusitania
German U-boats conducting unrestricted submarine warfare
Sank several US ships including Lusitania (!)
Zimmermann Telegram
Intercepted Telegram from Germany to Mexico (!)
Economic Motivations
US still looking to expand markets overseas
US declares war against Germany in 1917
What happened with the Lusitania? Why does this question the idea of actual US neutrality?
Why was the Zimmermann Telegram so significant? Was Mexican invasion an actual threat?

4. US and Total War Selective Service Act War Industries Board
President Power to draft men to serve; 10 million men drafted
War Industries Board
Various industries placed under government control
Food Administration
Government sets prices on goods; also sets up rationing
Committee of Public Information (CPI)
Government Propaganda to “educate” people on the war
Elaborate and explain the various acts and organizations set up by the US government during World War I?
Why are these government acts and organizations so controversial based on the basic tenants the United States was founded on?

6. Opposition to War in US Conscientious Objectors Espionage Act
Ignored; violation of 1st Amendment
Espionage Act
Newspapers, magazines, anti-war literature banned
Sedition Act
Illegal to speak badly about US military, US government, US Constitution
Schenck v. United States
In times of national importance, US could ignore 1st Amendment
Anti-German Sentiment
German racism, Germany forbidden to be taught in school, etc.
Elaborate on the various opposition to war and how the US government took away people’s rights during World War I?
What are the protections included in the 1st Amendment in the Constitution? What are its limits and what is not included?

7. End of War and Change in US Society
US effort helps Britain and France defeat Germany and Austria-Hungary
Wilson offers 14 Points at Treaty of Versailles-largely ignored
Women
19th Amendment-women suffrage
African-Americans
Great Migration
US Society in 1920s-better standard of life
What are some of the key points of Wilson’s 14 points? Based on what you know from World History, how was the 14 Points so much different than what was imposed after World War I?
What was set up in the 19th Amendment? Why do you think women were finally given this right?
How were African-Americans lives somewhat improved following World War I? How do you think African-Americans’ are treated in the North?