#AP US History: World War I - The Final Countdown 🚀

Hey there, future AP champ! Let's get you prepped and pumped for the big exam. We're diving into WWI, focusing on what you really need to know. Think of this as your ultimate cheat sheet, designed to make everything click. Let's do this!

#1. Road to War: The Spark and the Tinderbox 🔥

#Causes of World War I

Remember M.A.N.I.A. to nail the key causes. It's like a recipe for disaster, and Europe had all the ingredients:

• Militarism: Countries were in an arms race, building up their militaries like there was no tomorrow. ⚔️
• Alliances: A tangled web of secret agreements meant a small conflict could quickly escalate. Think of it like a group project where everyone has a side hustle. 🤝
• Nationalism: Extreme pride in one's country, leading to the belief that they were superior. It was like a global competition of who could be the most arrogant. 🌍
• Imperialism: European powers were competing for colonies and resources, creating tension and resentment. 👑
• Assassination: The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand was the spark that lit the fuse, but the underlying tensions were already there. 💥

#The Sides

Practice Question

Multiple Choice:

1. Which of the following was NOT a major cause of World War I? (A) Militarism (B) Imperialism (C) Communism (D) Nationalism

2. The system of alliances in Europe prior to World War I was primarily intended to: (A) promote free trade among nations. (B) establish a collective security against aggressors. (C) encourage the growth of democratic governments. (D) prevent the spread of communist ideology.

Short Answer:

Briefly explain how nationalism contributed to the outbreak of World War I.

#2. US Stance: From Neutrality to the Trenches 🇺🇸

#Initial Neutrality

• Washington's Ghost: The US initially wanted to stay out of Europe's mess, following George Washington's advice against foreign entanglements. 🙅‍♂️
• Woodrow Wilson: President Wilson aimed for neutrality, partly due to the diverse immigrant population in the US and partly to play peacemaker. 🕊️

#The Shift

• Economic Ties: The US was loaning way more money to the Allies than the Central Powers, creating a pro-Allies bias. 💰
• German U-Boats: German submarines attacked ships, including the Lusitania, killing 123 Americans. 🚢
• Zimmerman Telegram: Germany's attempt to get Mexico to attack the US was the last straw. ✉️
• Unrestricted Submarine Warfare: Germany's decision to sink all ships in war zones pushed the US to declare war.
• Wilson's War Aims: Wilson framed the war as a fight for democracy and against tyranny. "Make the world safe for democracy!" 🗽

#3. Getting Ready: Preparedness and Mobilization ⚙️

• Preparedness Movement: Many Americans realized the military was weak and pushed for greater defense spending.
• National Defense Act (1916): Wilson expanded the army and navy, showing the US was getting serious. 🪖
• Selective Service Act (1917): The US instituted a draft, registering millions of men for service. 📝
• American Expeditionary Force (AEF): Led by General John J. Pershing, the AEF saw significant action in Europe. 🇺🇸

#4. US in Combat: A Taste of Trench Warfare 🪖

• Industrialized Warfare: WWI was brutal, with new weapons like machine guns, tanks, and poison gas. 💣
• Trench Warfare: The war was characterized by brutal trench warfare, leading to massive casualties. 🕳️
• Key Battles: The AEF fought in battles like Chateau-Thierry and Belleau Wood, helping to turn the tide. ⚔️
• Meuse-Argonne Offensive: This major offensive helped force Germany to seek an armistice. 💥
• Casualties: The US suffered over 112,000 fatalities, including many from a flu epidemic. 😥

#A map of some actions taken by the AEF

Practice Question

Multiple Choice:

1. The Zimmerman Telegram proposed a military alliance between Germany and: (A) Great Britain (B) France (C) Russia (D) Mexico

2. Which of the following best describes the impact of trench warfare on World War I? (A) It led to rapid advances by both sides. (B) It resulted in a swift and decisive victory for the Allies. (C) It caused a stalemate with high casualties. (D) It minimized the use of new military technologies.

Short Answer:

Explain how the sinking of the Lusitania and the Zimmerman Telegram contributed to the United States' entry into World War I.

#5. Wilson's Vision: The Fourteen Points 🕊️

• Wilson's Goal: Wilson aimed for a just and lasting peace, not just punishing Germany.
• Key Points:
  • Freedom of the seas 🌊
  • End to secret treaties 🤫
  • Self-determination for nationalities 🌍
  • Removal of trade barriers 🛒
  • League of Nations (most important to Wilson) 🤝

#6. Treaty of Versailles: A Flawed Peace 💔

• Allied Demands: Other Allied leaders wanted revenge and compensation, not just peace. 😠
• BRAT: Remember this acronym to understand the Treaty of Versailles:
  • Blame: Germany had to accept sole blame for the war. blame 👎
  • Reparations: Germany had to pay huge sums in damages. 💰
  • Army: Germany had to reduce its military significantly. 🪖
  • Territory: Germany lost colonies and territory in Europe. 🗺️
• League of Nations: Established as part of the treaty, but with a lot of problems.

#7. Senate Rejection: Isolationism Prevails 🏛️

• Senate Opposition: The US Senate rejected both the Treaty of Versailles and the League of Nations, especially Article X.
• Article X: This article would have forced the US to get involved in international conflicts, which many senators opposed.
• Wilson's Tour: Wilson tried to rally public support but suffered a stroke, making it impossible to compromise. 🤕
• Isolationism: The US entered a period of isolationism in the 1920s, avoiding international entanglements. 🙅‍♀️

Practice Question

Multiple Choice:

1. Which of the following was a key provision of the Treaty of Versailles? (A) The establishment of a global free trade zone. (B) The creation of a military alliance between the US and France. (C) The imposition of heavy reparations on Germany. (D) The abolition of all standing armies.

2. The US Senate refused to ratify the Treaty of Versailles primarily because: (A) it was seen as too harsh on Germany. (B) it included a provision for the League of Nations. (C) it failed to address the issue of war debt. (D) it did not include enough territorial gains for the US.

Free Response Question:

Analyze the factors that led to the United States' entry into World War I. Then, evaluate the extent to which the Treaty of Versailles achieved the goals of President Woodrow Wilson. (This question combines multiple units and concepts)

Scoring Breakdown:

• Thesis (1 point): A clear, historically defensible thesis that addresses both the causes of US entry into WWI and the extent to which the Treaty of Versailles achieved Wilson’s goals.
• Causes of US Entry (2 points):
  • Identification and explanation of at least two causes (e.g., unrestricted submarine warfare, Zimmerman Telegram, economic ties).
  • Demonstrates an understanding of the shift from neutrality to intervention.
• Evaluation of Treaty (2 points):
  • Discussion of at least two aspects of the treaty (e.g., reparations, League of Nations, territorial changes).
  • Analysis of the treaty's alignment with or deviation from Wilson's Fourteen Points.
• Evidence and Analysis (2 points):
  • Provides specific historical evidence to support claims.
  • Demonstrates an understanding of the complexities and contradictions of the war and the peace process.
• Synthesis (1 point):
  • Connects the US experience in WWI to broader themes in American history, such as isolationism, internationalism, or the role of presidential leadership.

#Final Exam Focus 🎯

#Key Topics

• Causes of WWI (MANIA): Know the long-term and short-term causes.
• US Neutrality and Entry: Understand the events that pushed the US into the war.
• Wilson's Fourteen Points: Know the key points and their significance.
• Treaty of Versailles: Understand its provisions and why the US rejected it.
• Impact of WWI: Consider the war's impact on the US and the world.

• Time Management: Don't spend too much time on any one question.
• Read Carefully: Pay close attention to the wording of the questions.
• Connect the Dots: Look for connections between different units and concepts.
• Stay Calm: You've got this! Take deep breaths and trust your preparation.

Alright, champ! You've reviewed the key points of WWI. Now go out there and ace that exam. You've got this! 💪