WW1 AND UNITED STATES HISTORY
SSUSH15 The student will analyze the origins and impact of U.S. involvement in World
War I.
a. Describe the movement from U.S. neutrality to engagement in World War I, with reference to unrestricted submarine warfare.
b. Explain the domestic impact of World War I, reflected by the origins of the Great Migration, the Espionage Act, and socialist Eugene Debs.
c. Explain Wilson’s Fourteen Points and the proposed League of Nations.
Topic #1 / Row 1 - Imperialism
 How did the close knit geography of Europe and the worldwide rise of imperialism lead to WW1?
 Why was the USA able to stay neutral for such a long time?
Topic #2: Row 2 - Neutrality / Selective Service
 What is Wilson’s message in the speech he makes to Congress?
 Give 2 reasons why Wilson choose to use “conscription” to fight WW1
Topic #3: Row 3 –Espionage / Sedition Acts
 What acts were made a crime under the Espionage and Sedition Acts?
 How is this act similar to the act passed by 2nd President John Adams during the “Quasi War” with France?
Topic #4: Row 4 - Free speech and the war
 How did Schenck exercise his 1st amendment rights during the draft?
o What did the US Supreme Ct. rule about these rights?
 What the details surrounding Debs arrest in conjunction with WW1?
Topic #5: Row 5 – Lusitania and Sussex Pledge
 How is the sinking of the Lusitania related to unrestricted submarine warfare?
o Why did the USA take issue with unrestricted submarine warfare?
 What was the Sussex Pledge and how did this help bring America into the war?
Topic #6: Row 6 – STALEMATE
 Upon America’s entrance into the war, why had the war drawn to a stalemate?
o How is this related to trench warfare?
o How is new technology partly the cause for the stalemate?
Topic #7: Row 7 - ARRIVAL OF THE AEF
 Who led the AEF and under what conditions did he lead?
 Why was the AEF able to change the battle lines relatively quickly and put an end ot the war in approx. a yr?
Topic #8: Row 8 - 14 POINTS
 What were the 14 pts and who created them
 What was the League of Nations?
 Why did the League fail?