When the First World War erupted in Europe in 1914, the United States struggled to maintain its neutrality for three years. Efforts to deep open American commerce with Europe placed American shipping and passengers in danger. Eventually, Germany’s policy of unrestricted submarine warfare pulled the United States into the war. The League of Nations was established to mediate future disputes. President Wilson personally negotiated the treaty in Paris, but on his return to the United States, he was unable to win Senate support for its ratification.
Students will be able to:
Analyze the cause and effect of factors that led to the outbreak of war in Europe.
Draw conclusions about the changes in technology and battle strategy that changed the nature of war.
Recognize the historical perspectives that led the United States to try to remain neutral during World War I.
Identify and evaluate the reasons the United States finally decided to enter World War I.
Identify and evaluate how the American troops helped to turn the tide for the Allies.
Analyze the circumstances that caused Germany to start losing the war and appeal for an armistice.
Identify and organize information about how the United States prepared to fight the war.
Identify points of view about the legislation the American government passed to control public opinions.
Identify reasons why the U.S. Senate rejected the Treaty of Versailles and the League of Nations.
Recognize the different points of view among the Allies and why they opposed Wilson’s plan for peace.