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World War I: Military and Diplomacy

Daniel Miller

Daniel Miller

8 min read

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Study Guide Overview

This study guide covers the causes of World War I (M.A.N.I.A.), the United States' shift from neutrality to intervention, Wilson's Fourteen Points and the Treaty of Versailles, including the Senate's rejection of the treaty. It also touches upon key battles, the impact of the war, and provides test-taking strategies.

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

Central PowersAllies
GermanySerbia
Austria-HungaryFrance
Ottoman EmpireGreat Britain
Russia (until 1917)
USA (after 1917)
Key Concept

Key Point: WWI wasn't just about one event; it was a culmination of long-standing rivalries and aggressive policies.

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 f...

Question 1 of 13

Which of the following was a major cause of World War I, as remembered by the acronym M.A.N.I.A? 🤔

Industrialization

Militarism

Communism

Globalization