WHY DID THE UNITED STATES BECOME INVOLVED IN

WORLD WAR I?
Directions: Read the following and then answer the questions that appear below;

The United States was not a member of the European alliance systems. When war broke out in 1914, American leaders
attempted to follow the traditional policy, stated in George Washington’s farewell address, of avoiding involvement in
European conflicts. This non-involvement with either side is known as neutrality. Yet by 1917, despite efforts at
remaining neutral, the United States became involved in World War I. These are some of the factors that moved the
United States toward war…

10 August 1914: Secretary of State William Jennings Bryan to President Woodrow Wilson advises against allowing
United States banks from making loans to those nations fighting Germany.

“…I beg to communicate to you an important matter which has come before me. Morgan Company of New York have
asked whether there would be any objection to their making a loan to the French Government. Money is the worst of all
contrabands, or banned materials, because it commands everything else. I know of nothing that would do more to prevent
war than an international agreement that neutral nations would not loan to belligerents. Would the United States not be
justified in using its influence against the use of the nation’s dollars for war?”

22 January 1915: Former president “Teddy” Roosevelt writes to a British acquaintance about the war.

“…To me the essence of the situation has been Belgium. Germany attacked Belgium, a neutral country, to get at France. If
England or France had acted toward Belgium, as Germany has acted, I should have opposed them, exactly as I now oppose
Germany. I believe that treaties should be observed in good faith and that there is such a thing as international honor. I
take this position as an American; endeavoring to do what he can for justice and, judging all other nations by their conduct
on any given occasion…”

13 May 1915: Following the sinking of the passenger liner Lusitania by a German submarine, President Wilson writes a
memo to the German government.

“…In view of recent acts of the German authorities in violation of American rights on the high seas which culminated in
the torpedoing and sinking of the British steamship Lusitania on May 7, 1915, by which over 100 American citizens lost
their lives, it is clearly wise and desirable that the Government of the United States and the Imperial German Government
should come to a clear and full understanding as to the grave situation which has resulted. I hope the German government
will correct the unfortunate impressions which have been created with regard to the sacred freedom of the seas…”

19 January 1917: Fearing American involvement in the war on the side of Britain and France, Germany sends a telegram,
the Zimmerman Telegram, seeking to ally itself with Mexico - but the Americans find out about the telegram.

“…On the first of February we intend to begin unrestricted submarine warfare. In spite of this, it is our intention to keep
neutral the United States of America…If this attempt is not successful, we propose an alliance on the following basis with
Mexico: That we shall make war together and together make peace. We shall give general financial support, and it is
understood that Mexico is to re-conquer the lost territory in New Mexico, Texas, and Arizona. The details are left to you
for settlement…”

Questions for discussion;

1. Identify the following terms: Neutrality, Lusitania.
2. Why were each of these situations drawing the United States into World War I? a. War Loans, b. German
Aggression, c. Submarine Warfare, d. The Zimmerman Telegram.
3. Which of these situations would you consider the most important? Explain your answer.
4. At the outset of World War I, was it possible for the American people to be “Neutral in fact as well as in name?”
Explain why or why not.
 HOW DID THE IMPACT OF WORLD WAR I CHANGE EUROPE?
Directions: Read the following information and then answer the questions that appear below;

In Human Lives (soldiers)

Allied Powers Casualties Coalition Powers Casualties
France 1,385,000 Austria-Hungary 1,200,000
Great Britain 947,000 Germany 1,800,000
Italy 460,000
Russia 1,700,000
United States 116,000

In National Sovereignty
Germany was forced to recognize the unconditional sovereignty of Belgium, Poland and Czechoslovakia. In addition,
Germany lost some 71,000 sq. km. (about 27,500 sq. mi.), or slightly more than 13 percent of its European territory.
Alsace-Lorraine was returned to France, and the Saar basin, important for Germany’s industrial growth, was placed
under the League of Nations for 15 years. To Poland were ceded large parts of Germany, including the provinces of
Posen and West Prussia. The following map shows how the face of Europe changed after World War I:

In Money Spent (Billions of Dollars)

Allied Powers Money Spent Coalition Powers Money Spent
France $26 Austria-Hungary $21
Great Britain $38 Germany $39
Italy $13
Russia $18
United States $22

In Property Damages
Dr. Nicholas Murray Butler’s estimate of the total First World War costs of all parties is the sum of $400,000,000,000
in property. He adds that this amount of money would build a $2,500 house with $1,000 worth of furniture on five
acres of land $100 an acre for every family in the United States, Canada, Australia, England, Ireland, Scotland,
Wales, France, Belgium, Germany and Russia. There would still be enough money to provide each city of 20,000
inhabitants and over, in each country named, with a $5,000,000 library and a $10,000,000 university, with salaries for
125,000 teachers and 125,000 nurses, and then buy up France and Belgium.

Questions for discussion;

1. Identify the terms: Sovereignty, Alsace-Lorraine.
2. How would describe the impact that World War One had on Europe dealing with: a. Economic impact, b. Social impact,
Political impact?
3. Which of these would you consider the most important? Explain your answer.
4. Was the economic, social and political impacts of World War I worth the gains made? Why or why not?
 HOW DID THE UNITED STATES TRY TO KEEP THE PEACE AFTER
WORLD WAR I?
Directions: Read the following and then answer the questions that appear below;

On January 8, 1918, President Wilson addressed Congress, presenting the following outline to the United States’
aims in the First World War:

“We entered this war because violations of right had occurred which touched us to the quick and made the life of our
own people impossible unless they were corrected and the world secure once for all against their recurrence. What
we demand in this war, therefore, is nothing peculiar to ourselves. It is that the world be made fit and safe to live in;
and particularly that it be made safe for every peace-loving nation which, like our own, wishes to live its own life,
determine its own institutions, be assured of justice and fair dealing by the other peoples of the world as against
force and selfish aggression. All the peoples of the world are in effect partners in this interest, and for our own part
we see very clearly that unless justice be done to others it will not be done to us. The program of the world’s peace,
therefore, is our program: and as we see it, is this…”

SELF-DETERMINATION
Wilson claimed that nationalities should have the right to establish their own governments. These nationalities
should be free from foreign control. Wilson was not disillusioned to learn that the Allies had been plotting the
dissolution of the German Empire. He was well aware that Allied leaders were primarily concerned with national
self-interest. Under this principle, known as self-determination, Austrian lands inhabited by Italians would belong to
Italy. The Slavs and the Czechs would also be free to form their own nation-states.

PEACE WITHOUT VICTORY

Wilson declared that the end of the war should bring “a peace without victory.” By this, Wilson meant that the
Allies should treat their former enemies generously. Harsh punishment, so the American President believed, would
only cause those effected to seek revenge. Wilson hoped that a just settlement would encourage the defeated nations
to work with the victorious Allies for a new and better world.

DISARMAMENT
Wilson believed there could be no lasting peace until militarism was ended. He wanted the nations of the world to
disarm, or give up their armed forces. Wilson thought that no country would fear its neighbors or try to invade them
if there were no more armies.

END IMPERIALISM
Wilson also called for imperialist nations to look out for their colonies. The interests of these people, he said, should
have equal weight with the claims of their governments. This meant that people of those regions of the world
dominated by European imperialism should be allowed some degree of freedom.

LEAGUE OF NATIONS
Wilson urged the formation of an international organization. Knowing that the victorious allies would be fighting for
the pieces of victory, he believed that a league of nations could force them to act on behalf of peace and equity
whether they wanted to do so or not. This organization was to be called the League of Nation. He hoped that a
League, or group of nations, could come together to discuss their differences. The League was to be a place where
both large and small nations could come to settle their quarrels. Wilson felt that diplomacy, and not secret alliances,
could best preserve the peace.

Questions for discussion;

1. Identify these terms: Fourteen Points, League of Nations.
2. How were each of these supposed to make the world a peaceful place? a. Self-Determination, b. Peace Without
Victory, c. Disarmament, d. Ending Imperialism, e. League of Nations.
3. Which of these would you consider the most important? Explain why?
4. Could the Fourteen points have really prevented a future war? Why or why not?
5. Can the United States do anything to prevent wars from occurring today? Why or why not?
 HOW WAS GERMANY TREATED AFTER WORLD
WAR I?
Directions: Working individually or in groups, you will represent one of the nations involved in drafting the Treaty of Versailles.
Review the following and then decide three ways you believe Germany should be treated after World War I. Use a check ()
mark to indicate your choices. Don’t forget to explain the reasons for your choices;

Great Britain
“By Jove!” I think the future will be smashing! My country is the most powerful nation in the world. We have the largest navy
and the largest colonial empire in history. I’m extremely proud of jolly old England. But I am also a little worried. Germany is
building up her power and trying to overtake England. But it’s good to have friends like France and Russia in case of trouble.
And trouble lies ahead! We have been invited to the Palace of Versailles where we will help create a treaty, or plan, to treat
Germany after the war since it has surrendered. In the treaty, we can select three choices from the list showing how we wish to
see Germany treated after the war…

POSSIBLE CHOICES: YES? NO? EXPLAIN WHY?

Reparations: German payments for war damages.
Demilitarization: Eliminating the German army and navy.
Mandates: Taking away German colonies.
Freedom of the Seas: Making the oceans safe for all nations.
Territory: Taking German national land away.
League of Nations: An organization of countries.
Other:

France
“Vive la France!” The future will be good only if my country stands up and fights to get back land that Germany stole from us in
1871. I love my country and won’t stand by and let its power go down while Germany gets more powerful. We have a strong
army and if we have to crush Germany, then so be it! Fortunately, England and Russia are good friends of ours. If Germany starts
anything, then we will be ready for it! We have been invited to the Palace of Versailles where we will help create a treaty, or
plan, to treat Germany after the war since it has surrendered. In the treaty, we can select three choices from the list showing how
we wish to see Germany treated after the war…

POSSIBLE CHOICES: YES? NO? EXPLAIN WHY?

Reparations: German payments for war damages.
Demilitarization: Eliminating the German army and navy.
Mandates: Taking away German colonies.
Freedom of the Seas: Making the oceans safe for all nations.
Territory: Taking German national land away.
League of Nations: An organization of countries.
Other:

Italy
“Forget about it!” We Italians want to be a major power. This we can do if we if we get back what belongs to us from Austria.
Venice should belong to Italy. Now Italy must have the rest of her land. My king, Victor Emanuel, promises us glory in the
future! The future looks good. We have been invited to the Palace of Versailles where we will help create a treaty, or plan, to
treat Germany after the war since it has surrendered. In the treaty, we can select three choices from the list showing how we wish
to see Germany treated after the war…

POSSIBLE CHOICES: YES? NO? EXPLAIN WHY?

Reparations: German payments for war damages.
Demilitarization: Eliminating the German army and navy.
Mandates: Taking away German colonies.
Freedom of the Seas: Making the oceans safe for all nations.
Territory: Taking German national land away.
League of Nations: An organization of countries.
Other:
 HOW WAS GERMANY TREATED AFTER WORLD
WAR I?
Directions: Working individually or in groups, you will represent one of the nations involved in drafting the Treaty of Versailles.
Review the following and then decide three ways you believe Germany should be treated after World War I. Use a check ()
mark to indicate your choices. Don’t forget to explain the reasons for your choices;

Germany
“Wundabar!” The future looks great! My country is getting stronger every year. We are building up our navy and army. My king,
Kaiser Wilhelm II is a strong ruler. I am proud to be German. In both military and industrial power, we will overtake England
and France. Then we will be the greatest power in Europe. And we can also count on the support of Austria, Turkey and Italy if
we run into trouble. We thought we would be feared. Germany has surrendered! We have been invited to the Palace of Versailles
where we will help create a treaty, or plan, to treat Germany after the war. In the treaty, we can select three choices from the list
showing how we wish to see Germany treated after the war…

POSSIBLE CHOICES: YES? NO? EXPLAIN WHY?

Reparations: German payments for war damages.
Demilitarization: Eliminating the German army and navy.
Mandates: Taking away German colonies.
Freedom of the Seas: Making the oceans safe for all nations.
Territory: Taking German national land away.
League of Nations: An organization of countries.
Other:

The United States

“Apple pie!” We hold our freedom to be the highest order of law and desire in the world. We hoped that the European powers
would treat themselves the same way. Instead, they went to war. When World War I broke out, we had no intention of getting
involved. But the European powers were interested in making the United States their ally. We didn’t want to choose sides, but we
eventually had too. When American ships started to be sunk, we could not stand for it anymore! We have been invited to the
Palace of Versailles where we will help create a treaty, or plan, to treat Germany after the war since it has surrendered. In the
treaty, we can select three choices from the list below of how we wish to see Germany treated after the war…

POSSIBLE CHOICES: YES? NO? EXPLAIN WHY?

Reparations: German payments for war damages.
Demilitarization: Eliminating the German army and navy.
Mandates: Taking away German colonies.
Freedom of the Seas: Making the oceans safe for all nations.
Territory: Taking German national land away.
League of Nations: An organization of countries.
Other: